In one of the most dramatic UEFA Nations League matches to date, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal delivered a sensational performance that pushed Spain past France in a breathtaking 5–4 semifinal win in Stuttgart on Thursday night. The young Barcelona forward scored twice and assisted once, solidifying his growing reputation as one of the world’s most promising football talents and igniting serious conversations about his Ballon d’Or candidacy.
A Semifinal Showdown Framed as a Ballon d’Or Battle
Heading into the clash, many fans and pundits framed the Spain vs. France fixture as a symbolic “battle for the Ballon d’Or” between Yamal and his French counterpart Ousmane Dembélé, who had just helped Paris Saint-Germain clinch a treble, including the UEFA Champions League.
While Dembélé arrived at the match with the accolades, it was Yamal who left the pitch with all the glory.
“Lamine Yamal has made a statement tonight and shown that he should win the Ballon d’Or,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said in an interview with RTVE after the match. “He’s the best player in the world and, in my opinion, of course, he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.”
Spain’s Explosive First Hour: Four-Goal Surge
Spain came out of the gates with confidence and cohesion, dominating the first 60 minutes of the game with attacking flair and high pressing that caught France off guard. The first goal came early as Yamal delivered a well-placed cross to Nico Williams, who converted to make it 1–0.
Midfielder Mikel Merino doubled the lead before halftime with a calm finish, giving La Roja a 2–0 cushion going into the break.
After the interval, the Spanish assault continued. Yamal stepped up to take a penalty and coolly slotted it past the keeper, making it 3–0. Pedri then added a fourth goal with a brilliant strike, before Yamal struck again—this time from open play—pushing Spain to a commanding 5–1 lead.
Yamal’s second goal, a left-footed curler from outside the box, was a piece of individual brilliance, highlighting not only his composure but also his extraordinary vision and technique. It was his sixth international goal for Spain, a remarkable feat for someone still in his teens.
France’s Late Comeback Falls Just Short
Despite the seemingly insurmountable deficit, France launched a late counter-offensive that nearly turned the game on its head.
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Kylian Mbappé, who had been kept relatively quiet during most of the match, scored France’s first goal with a well-taken penalty.
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Rayan Cherki, making his international debut, scored a spectacular long-range goal to make it 5–2.
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Minutes later, a deflected shot from France led to an own goal by Dani Vivian, further narrowing the scoreline.
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Then, Randal Kolo Muani scored with a clinical header, putting the score at 5–4 and raising hopes of a miraculous comeback.
However, Spain managed to hold on through the final moments, aided by strong defending and clever game management, finally booking their spot in the Nations League final.
Yamal’s Words: “Speak on the Pitch”
After the match, Yamal was awarded Man of the Match and was humble in his post-match comments, despite the praise he received from across the football world.
“I always say the same thing to my mum—that I try to give my all,” Yamal told RTVE. “That is what motivates me and what gets me up in the morning. It is why I play football. It’s always best to speak on the pitch.”
When asked about the Ballon d’Or conversation, he added, “Dembélé’s a great player—we saw that in the Champions League—but I am happy that we’re the ones in the final.”
Praise from the Coach, Teammates, and Federation
Coach Luis de la Fuente wasn’t the only one advocating for Yamal’s Ballon d’Or credentials.
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Nico Williams, his teammate and fellow goalscorer, said he hoped Yamal would win football’s top individual prize.
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Rafael Louzán, president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), echoed that sentiment, declaring that the performance “proved” Yamal deserves the honor.
“It’s not just the two goals,” Louzán emphasized. “It’s everything he does. Everything he does surprises you again and again. He still has a long way to go, too, and I hope they give him the prize he deserves, the Ballon d’Or.”
Dembélé Substituted After a Quiet Night
While Yamal dazzled, France’s Ousmane Dembélé struggled to make an impact. He was substituted shortly after Spain’s fifth goal, ending a quiet night for the PSG winger.
His inability to influence the game highlighted the contrast between his recent club form and his performance at the international level in this match. His early substitution also underlined coach Didier Deschamps’ frustration with France’s defensive frailties and midfield gaps.
Final Showdown: Spain vs. Portugal on Sunday
With this victory, Spain moves on to face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the final, scheduled for Sunday, June 9, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Portugal defeated Germany 2–1 in their semifinal, thanks to goals from Francisco Conceição and Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his 137th international goal, making him the oldest player to score in a Nations League semifinal.
Speaking about the upcoming match, Yamal said:
“It will be an even final against Portugal, just like this game. They have world-class players like France. It’s a game between two really good sides and I hope the best team wins and we take the trophy back to Spain.”
Spain, who also won the European Championship in the previous summer, will aim to add another major international trophy to their collection.
France to Face Germany in Third-Place Playoff
After the narrow loss, France will face hosts Germany in the third-place match. Despite the defeat, France’s late surge showed their strength, and debutant Rayan Cherki’s goal provided a silver lining for French fans.
Coach Didier Deschamps is likely to use the playoff to test younger players and regroup ahead of future competitions.
A Star is Rising
Lamine Yamal’s display was not just a one-off masterclass—it was a declaration of intent. With maturity beyond his years and a knack for delivering on the biggest stages, Yamal has carved his name into the conversation about the best players in the world.
While the final against Portugal remains ahead, many now believe that the Ballon d’Or is no longer a dream—it’s a real possibility for the teenage prodigy.
The information is collected from ESPN and Yahoo.
