Lamine Yamal celebrated turning 19 by revealing the only gift he desires is a World Cup final appearance. The Spain winger sported a white gold and diamond chain during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, though he admitted purchasing the jewellery himself. “What I want as a present is a win,” he stated, with victory against France securing Spain’s place in the New York showpiece scheduled for 19 July.
Top of the List
The Barcelona star appeared remarkably relaxed despite the stakes, describing the semi-final as ranking “in the top one” among his career matches. He participated in morning training alongside fellow birthday celebrant Víctor Muñoz, where teammates marked the occasion with playful greetings.
Spain face familiar opponents in France, whom they defeated to claim the European Championship. Yamal boasts an impressive scoring record against Les Bleus, having struck in both previous meetings when aged just 16 and 17. He will also encounter club colleague Jules Koundé across the halfway line, but dismissed any friction from his earlier comments suggesting France should fear the Spanish side.
“I was asked if there was fear and I said no, obviously not: we’re European champions,” Yamal explained. He insisted Koundé recognised such remarks as “normal” competitive banter.
Life Beyond the Game
Yamal demonstrated maturity beyond his years when discussing the magnitude of the occasion. “There are much harder things in life than a football match,” he reflected. After media duties, he planned to cut his three-year-old brother Keyne’s hair, noting the toddler remains oblivious to his own viral fame during the tournament.
He also rejected suggestions of mystical significance surrounding the number 19, which appears on his shirt, marks his age, and corresponds with the final date. He referenced Portugal’s elimination after their coach discussed numerology, noting that Mikel Merino’s decisive intervention proved such theories irrelevant.
Integration Over Division
The teenager delivered a pointed response to former Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy, who had questioned the French squad’s composition. Yamal declined to name Rajoy directly but stated football existed for integration, particularly between nations like Spain and France, rather than for “talking about comments like that”.
Manager Luis de la Fuente urged Yamal to dispel any anxiety. “Relax, enjoy it,” the coach advised. “Lamine’s great day is still to come at this World Cup.”