Spain's Yamal rebukes Rajoy on identity before France clash
Lamine Yamal dismissed former Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy's divisive comments on French identity, framing tomorrow's World Cup semi-final as a testament to European integration.
Spain forward Lamine Yamal addressed the media on his 19th birthday ahead of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against France, using the platform to reject nativist rhetoric from a former head of state.
Without naming Mariano Rajoy, Yamal responded to a recent column in which the ex-prime minister suggested France's team was not truly French. "If football serves any purpose it is for integration," Yamal said. "All the more so with Spain and France, which are examples. That’s what football is for; not for talking about comments like that."
The exchange highlighted the intersection of sport and European public life, with a teenager calmly correcting a former premier on international relations. Yamal, now in his third year as a professional, has become a continental icon recognized across the United States. He is featured on billboards nationwide and was greeted by fans at Spain's training base in Chattanooga.
On the pitch, Spain's European champions face a French side Yamal has scored against in his two previous meetings, at ages 16 and 17. He noted that his Barcelona teammate Jules Koundé, who plays for France, understood his pre-match confidence was "just football". Despite having scored only once at this tournament, Yamal rejected suggestions that he was feeling the strain ahead of the match he ranked as his "top one".
"There are much harder things in life than a football match," he said. "It’s a game, I know what I’m capable of and I’m not worried about anything."
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente is actively trying to shield his star from expectation. "He’s 19, madre mia," De la Fuente said. "I would say to him: relax, enjoy it. Anxiety, out! Lamine’s great day is still to come at this World Cup."
Yamal appeared at ease, displaying a white gold and diamond chain he bought himself and deflecting questions about the numerology of his age, shirt number, and the final's date. He later planned to cut his three-year-old brother Keyne's hair. His stated birthday wish remained straightforward. "What I want as a present is a win," he said, a result that would earn him a promised trip to New York.
