Robert Lewandowski commended Lamine Yamal for his contributions to Spain’s FIFA World Cup victory, even as he navigated an injury that limited his performance during the tournament.
Yamal, who missed Barcelona’s La Liga-winning season due to a hamstring injury, faced restrictions on his participation with the Spanish national team. Despite this, he made eight appearances in the World Cup, with coach Luis de la Fuente carefully managing his minutes during the initial matches.
Highlights from the Tournament
The 19-year-old talent scored one goal in 616 minutes of play, while also completing an impressive 35 dribbles—the highest in the competition. Yamal consistently posed a threat on the right flank, aiding Spain in their victories against formidable opponents such as Portugal in the round of 16, France in the semifinals, and defending champions Argentina in the final.
In an interview with ESPN, Lewandowski remarked on Yamal’s condition, noting, “To be honest, no, we did not see the best of him in this tournament.” He emphasized that Yamal’s peak performance was witnessed two seasons prior, suggesting that this World Cup was not a true reflection of his abilities.
Lewandowski further acknowledged the challenges Yamal faced after missing about eight weeks of play leading up to the World Cup, making it difficult for him to transition back into an intense competition environment. “He showed really good quality,” Lewandowski said, adding that the synergy between Yamal and the rest of the Spanish squad was crucial for their success.
As teammates at Barcelona, Lewandowski and Yamal have shared the field in 127 matches across various competitions. While Lewandowski misses out on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, he found inspiration from his teammates, including fellow World Cup champions Gabi, Pedri, Pau Kvarsi, and Ferran Torres, leading him to support Spain’s journey to the final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Lewandowski’s New Chapter in MLS
“I know a lot of players from Spain and I spent a lot of time with them in Barcelona, so I supported them a lot,” Lewandowski commented. His admiration for Messi further complicated his rooting interests, stating, “Of course, as an Argentine I only know Leo personally,” acknowledging Messi’s past World Cup victory.
Following his departure from Barcelona at the end of last season, Lewandowski signed a two-year contract with MLS team Chicago Fire FC as a free agent on July 29. He expressed a desire to explore opportunities outside European football, which played a pivotal role in his decision to join Major League Soccer.
Having met with head coach Gregg Berhalter and explored the city of Chicago, Lewandowski felt confident in his choice. “After I decided to leave Barcelona, I didn’t want to stay in Europe,” he noted, indicating that he sought new experiences beyond the continent.
After a few days in Chicago, Lewandowski remarked positively on the city and his welcoming new teammates, who have assisted him as he settles in. Despite the adjustments, he stressed the importance of focusing on football, stating, “I am feeling better and better every day.”
Lewandowski is expected to make his MLS debut on Wednesday night against Inter Miami CF at Miami’s New Stadium. Although he was set to play against the Vancouver Whitecaps earlier in July, that match was postponed due to air quality issues stemming from Canadian wildfires.
“I’m ready to do this and try to help my teammates and my new club take the next step and win some titles,” Lewandowski affirmed, clearly eager to contribute to Chicago Fire’s aspirations in the league.
