Robert Lewandowski believes football fans did not see the best of Lamine Yamal during Spain’s FIFA World Cup 2026 winning campaign because the young winger was still recovering from injury.
Yamal entered the tournament with a hamstring problem that had already kept him out of several matches during Barcelona’s La Liga title winning season. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente managed his playing time carefully in the opening games.
Even with that setback, the 19 year old played all eight matches for Spain. He scored one goal in 616 minutes and completed 35 successful dribbles, the highest total in the tournament. Spain went on to beat Portugal in the round of 16, France in the semifinals and Argentina 1 0 in the final to win the World Cup.
Lewandowski, however, feels Yamal was still below his usual level.
“Honestly, no, we didn’t see his best this tournament. The best Lamine for me was two seasons ago. That was the best version of Lamine Yamal,” Lewandowski told ESPN.
“He came to the World Cup after injury and he didn’t play for around eight weeks. It’s tough when you don’t play for that long and then have to start playing in the World Cup. You don’t have enough time to train. You just go from game to game.”
The Poland striker praised Yamal for helping Spain despite his fitness problems.
“But he showed really good quality. The Spain players and the team helped Lamine, and Lamine also helped the whole team. I think this cooperation was perfect,” he said.
Lewandowski and Yamal played together for Barcelona in 127 matches before the veteran striker left the club at the end of last season.
Although Poland did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Lewandowski admitted he supported Spain in the final because of his close bond with many of the players.
“I know a lot of players from Spain and I spent so much time in Barcelona with them, so I supported them a lot,” he said.
“Of course, I know only Leo personally from Argentina, but I know he won the last World Cup. That’s why I supported the Spanish national team because when you play with them and spend so much time together, it is easier to support them.”
Lewandowski also backed Spain’s young squad to enjoy more success in the coming years.
“I was happy because I know they were ready to win the World Cup. They are very young and the future is in front of them,” he said.
After leaving Barcelona, Lewandowski signed a two year deal with Chicago Fire as a free agent on June 29.
The 37 year old made his MLS debut against Inter Miami on Wednesday. Chicago lost 3 2 after giving away a late goal.
