Eden Hazard did not hold back on the compliments and left everyone stunned by stating that Lamine Yamal reminds him of himself in his prime. The former Belgian international, who has already delighted millions with his football, revealed that he sees in the young Spaniard the same qualities that made him a global reference and assured: “Lamine Yamal is one of those players that everyone loves to watch play.” This statement comes on the heels of Spain's emphatic 3-0 victory over Austria, a result that secured 'La Roja' a place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup and had the football world talking about Yamal.
At just 18 years old, Yamal led the Spanish attack in the decisive clash in Dallas, even without managing to score. Despite the drought, the young prodigy's performance convinced fans and former stars, to the point where Hazard stated, “He reminds me a bit of when I started playing. I was practically the same age and everyone had huge expectations of me.” The recognition from the former Belgium captain does not go unnoticed, especially at a time when the Spanish national team seems to finally be rediscovering the brilliance it lost since winning the World Cup in 2010.
THE 2026 WORLD CUP LIVES ON WITH LEGO
The importance of these words from Hazard goes far beyond mere praise. In a World Cup where the pressure on Yamal's shoulders is immense, receiving comparisons to one of the most talented players of the last decade only reinforces the emerging star status that the young Barcelona player is assuming. Spain, led by Luis de la Fuente, is looking to reclaim the throne of world football, and the confidence placed in Lamine Yamal demonstrates that the coach sees him as the key piece to achieve that goal. “If he has fun on the pitch as he knows how to, I clearly see that he can have a great World Cup,” Hazard emphasized in an interview with Stake after Spain's victory.
Hazard, always attentive to what happens on the big stages, also added: “He is the type of player that people enjoy watching. That’s what football is for; we have to have fun and make those who watch us dream.” These words gain even more relevance considering Spain's next opponent: Portugal, led by the eternal Cristiano Ronaldo. The match is scheduled for Monday, again in Dallas, and promises to be one of the great clashes of these round of 16.
Lamine Yamal was not intimidated by the weight of expectations and showed a confident demeanor in front of journalists: “We have to continue to improve, in our game and intensity, but we know the quality we have and we are not afraid of any team; we are Spain. We have to show that on the pitch, but we believe in ourselves.” When asked about the possibility of facing Cristiano Ronaldo, the young Spaniard was unequivocal: “It would be an honor to play against Cristiano, obviously, but I am focused on winning the game and I don’t care who advances.”
With Spain undergoing a phase of renewal and increasingly relying on the irreverence of its young talents, expectations surrounding Lamine Yamal grow with each game. Hazard's statements only heighten media pressure and global interest at a time when Spanish fans dream of repeating the epic journey of 2010. The clash against Portugal will be a true test of Yamal's maturity and talent, as he faces one of the most experienced defenses in the competition and a Cristiano Ronaldo eager to continue making history.
The world of football thus turns its eyes to Dallas, where it will be decided who advances to the quarter-finals. The impact of Hazard's words, combined with Yamal's confidence and the renewed ambition of 'La Roja', transforms this matchup into one of the most anticipated of the tournament. If the young Spaniard manages to meet expectations and lead Spain to another victory, there will be no doubt: a new star has been born in the firmament of European football.
O MUNDIAL 2026 VIVE-SE COM A LEGO
NOW YOU CAN FOLLOW THE WORLD CUP WITH ALL THE INFORMATION – HERE
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
