Personal glory has been pushed aside by Lamine Yamal. The Spain forward says lifting the World Cup would matter far more than adding to his own goal tally. His comments came after Spain’s 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The result booked a semi-final meeting with France. Yamal has scored once during the tournament. Other leading forwards, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, have found the net more often.
That has done little to change his outlook.
“Obviously I want to score, but I don’t go onto the pitch thinking about that,” Yamal said. “I do it thinking about helping the team.”
Goals Were Not Seen as Everything
The Barcelona winger believes his influence cannot be measured by goals alone. He said his movement creates space for teammates and helps Spain’s attack.
“If we win the World Cup, no one will remember whether I scored goals,” he said. “The important thing is winning.”
Yamal added: “I know I can contribute even if I don’t score. I know my movements draw in many opponents, so I do everything I can to help the team.”
Past Success Was Remembered
His calm approach reflects what happened two years ago. At the European Championship, Yamal scored only once. Spain still lifted the trophy. That lone goal came in the semi-final against France.
“There’s an idea that I should be scoring more, like at the Euros,” he said with a smile. “But we won the Euros with me scoring just one goal. And I have one goal here too, so I’m relaxed about it.”
France Challenge Was Awaited
Spain’s next test will come against one of the tournament favourites. France have impressed with their attacking strength throughout the competition. Yamal, however, insisted Spain will not be intimidated.
“There are two possibilities,” he said. “Either they reach three consecutive World Cup finals, or we beat them three times in a row. We’ll see what happens.”
“We aren’t afraid at all.”
As Spain chase another major title, Yamal’s message has remained clear. The team’s success comes first. Everything else can wait.
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