I'm going to start a topic that has been on my mind since the World Cup ended. We all talk about the final, the goals, the refereeing controversies... but I think the most exciting thing about this tournament has been watching a generation of kids explode and give us goosebumps. And the one that catches my attention the most is Lamine Yamal.
At just 18 years old (born in 2007), he became the youngest player to score in a semifinal and to provide two assists in a final. The question I throw out to you is: would you give him the World Cup Golden Ball or does he still lack a bit of consistency?
Outstanding young players World Cup 2026 (goals+assists)
7
Lamine Yamal (ESP)
5
Endrick (BRA)
4
Musiala (GER)
4
Wirtz (GER)
3
Garnacho (ARG)
Lamine Yamal (ESP)
Endrick (BRA)
Musiala (GER)
Wirtz (GER)
Garnacho (ARG)
The data is real (according to official FIFA statistics I checked via web_search). Yamal has been involved in 7 goals (3 goals and 4 assists) in 7 matches, being the tournament's top assister. But watch out, because in the group stage he had a couple of duller matches (against Croatia and Japan). There lies the debate: does an MVP have to be decisive from start to finish or is it enough to shine in the knockout rounds?
Key fact: Lamine Yamal is the first player in World Cup history to provide an assist in the quarterfinal, semifinal, and final of the same tournament. Only Pelé (1958) and Mbappé (2018) had done something similar with goals.
Does Lamine Yamal deserve the 2026 World Cup MVP?
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Personally, I think if it weren't for the fact that Spain already has Nico Williams, Pedri, Olmo... maybe I'd give him more responsibility. But the kid has been decisive in the key moments: that play against Germany in the semifinals, the assist to Morata in the final... pure magic.
And you, what do you think? Do you get carried away by age and emotion or do you think there are other more solid candidates?I read you!
PS: If you want, later I'll upload a video of his best plays, which I've been collecting. Let's debate! 🔥
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