Lamine Yamal has been one of the great sensations in world soccer this season. At 17 years old, he has dazzled with FC Barcelona and with the Spanish national team. His talent and consistency already make him the favorite for the Ballon d'Or.
Every match he plays is a showcase. He breaks lines, gets past opponents, and makes a difference with a maturity beyond his years. What he does seems to have no ceiling.
The great Nations League final wasn't his night
However, not even he is free from defeat. Last night, Spain lost the Nations League final to Portugal. It was in the penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
Lamine played all 90 minutes, but he was well below his usual level. He barely had any impact in attack and looked somewhat frustrated during the match. In the end, his performance went more unnoticed than usual.
What didn't go unnoticed was what he did after the final whistle. While the Spanish national team stayed on the field waiting for the award ceremony, something striking happened. Yamal was the only one who stepped away from the group.
Lamine Yamal's gesture divided the fans
The rest of the players applauded the champions. Everyone showed respect toward Portugal, who were crowned as the new Nations League champions. Everyone except Lamine, who neither applauded nor congratulated them.
His gesture hasn't gone unnoticed. The cameras clearly captured how he walked away, head down, without participating in congratulating the opponent. Social media have been filled with comments about his attitude.
Some defend him. They say he's young, competitive, and that the pain of defeat is stronger in those moments. Others, however, label him as lacking sportsmanship.
This isn't the first time a young star has been criticized for his behavior. Lamine Yamal is learning to live with pressure and media attention. Everything he does will be analyzed in detail.
It's likely that the gesture wasn't ill-intentioned. Even so, more is expected from someone who is set to be a global reference. Humility and respect in defeat are also part of the journey.
Spain couldn't win the title, but the future remains promising. Yamal is an essential part of that project. Although this time, his final image wasn't the one many desired.
The scene with Lamine Yamal also opens the debate about how to manage the character of young talents. There's no doubt that his ambition is a virtue, but channeling it with maturity will be key for his personal and professional growth. Barça and the national team have a diamond in their hands, but one still in the process of being polished.