Lamine Yamal’s remarkable rise has reached another level, with Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente predicting that the Barcelona forward is on course to become one of football’s legendary figures.
The teenager continued his extraordinary run of form on Saturday night, scoring again as Spain defeated Czechia 3-1 in the UEFA Nations League in Oviedo.
Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute with another trademark piece of individual brilliance. The Barcelona star cut inside from the right side before curling a left-footed effort into the top corner, leaving the Spain coach visibly stunned on the touchline.
Rodri doubled Spain’s advantage before half-time, while Jiri Slama pulled one back for Czechia in the second half. Mikel Merino eventually restored Spain’s two-goal cushion late in the game.
The victory maintained Spain’s perfect start to their Nations League campaign and extended their unbeaten run to 41 matches.
For Yamal, however, the attention once again centred on his individual contribution.
The 19-year-old has scored in each of his last three appearances for Spain, producing four goals during the current international run. His latest effort also continued an extraordinary sequence in which he has become one of the most decisive players in international football.
His form has not been limited to the national team. Yamal has also been producing consistently for Barcelona, with his club and international performances strengthening his position among the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or.
De la Fuente believes the winger has not yet reached his ceiling.
Speaking after the victory over Czechia, the Spain boss praised Yamal’s talent and development while suggesting that supporters have yet to see the best version of the young forward.
The coach went even further when asked about Yamal’s Ballon d’Or credentials.
De la Fuente said that if Yamal were the only Spanish player among the nominees, he would regard the Barcelona star as the best player in the world. However, he acknowledged that Spain has several players deserving of recognition.
The comments underline the exceptional expectations surrounding Yamal despite his age.
What makes his recent performances particularly striking is the consistency with which he is influencing matches. Rather than relying solely on flashes of skill, the winger has increasingly combined his dribbling ability and creativity with goals and decisive actions.
Against Czechia, his early strike immediately placed Spain in control and gave the team a platform from which to manage the contest.
De la Fuente substituted Yamal at half-time, with Spain already leading 2-0, as the coaching staff managed the workload of key players during a demanding international schedule.
The decision also highlighted the delicate balance surrounding Yamal.
Spain clearly regard him as a crucial part of their plans, but his long-term development remains equally important. At his age, managing minutes and physical demands will be essential if he is to sustain his extraordinary trajectory.
For now, however, the numbers and performances continue to strengthen the argument that Yamal belongs among the world’s elite.
His latest goal was his 12th for club and country in his last nine matches, according to reports following Spain’s victory.
That level of production explains why De la Fuente is already discussing Yamal in terms normally reserved for established greats.
The Barcelona forward still has years ahead of him to develop his game, accumulate major trophies and build the legacy his Spain coach believes is within reach.
If his current trajectory continues, the debate may eventually shift from whether Yamal can become a legend to where he ranks among the greatest players of his generation.
