Barcelona’s influence on Spain’s national team continues to grow, with Lamine Yamal once again at the centre of attention.
The 19-year-old has already established himself as one of the most important players in Luis de la Fuente’s side despite his age.
Lamine Yamal entered the latest international window after another impressive campaign at club level, with expectations around him continuing to rise.
He then delivered on the biggest stage once again, following his early goal against England at Wembley with another outstanding performance against Croatia.
Spain dominated the second half of the Nations League meeting in Seville, eventually running out 4-1 winners to make it two victories from two.
Lamine Yamal gets Ballon d’Or endorsement from Spanish teammate
Yamal scored twice against Croatia, taking his Nations League tally to three goals in two matches and prompting fresh Ballon d’Or praise from his Spain teammate Nico Williams.
The Barcelona forward needed less than two minutes to open the scoring before later adding Spain’s third, with Nico Williams completing the victory in the 89th minute.
Yamal also created Spain’s second goal, delivering the cross that Marc Pubill converted to restore the hosts’ advantage after Croatia had briefly levelled.
For Barcelona, the performance was another reminder of the extraordinary level their teenage star is already reaching at international level.
Nico, who scored Spain’s fourth goal late on, has also developed a close friendship with Yamal away from the pitch.
Speaking after the match, the Barcelona winger’s Spain teammate made his position on the individual award very clear.
“Anyone who understands football knows that Lamine Yamal should win the Ballon d’Or,” Nico said, according to Fabrizio Romano.
He added: “I hope Lamine wins it. If you really know about football, and you really enjoy football, then you know Lamine is the best.”
The comments come after Yamal’s latest international masterclass strengthened the perception that he belongs among the game’s elite.
UEFA’s current Nations League statistics show Yamal with three goals and one assist from his opening two matches of the competition.
Barcelona will now hope their star can carry that confidence back to club football as Hansi Flick’s side continue their campaign.
🇪🇸✨ Nico Williams: “Anyone who understand football, knows that Lamine Yamal should win the Ballon d’Or”.
“I hope Lamine wins it. If you really know about football, and you really enjoy football, then you know Lamine is the best”. pic.twitter.com/S89o68BbWJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 29, 2026
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