Lewandowski explains why Lamine Yamal wasn't at his 'best' at 2026 World Cup
Robert Lewandowski believes a pre-tournament injury prevented Lamine Yamal from reaching peak form during Spain's 2026 World Cup success.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Bryan Berlin
Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has provided insight into Lamine Yamal's performances at the 2026 World Cup. Although Spain secured a historic tournament win, Lewandowski believes the teenage sensation was restricted by fitness issues throughout the campaign.
Yamal arrived at the tournament following a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the final weeks of the La Liga season. Managed carefully by Luis de la Fuente, the 19-year-old still managed eight appearances. However, Lewandowski suggests the lack of match fitness was clearly visible.
Honestly, no, we didn't see his best this tournament. The best performance, the best Lamine for me, was not the last season, but two seasons ago. He's still young, he came to the World Cup after an injury and he didn't play for like eight weeks so it's tough if you don't play eight weeks and you have to start playing in the World Cup. Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski, who supported Spain due to his strong bonds with former Camp Nou colleagues, praised the overall team structure for assisting Yamal during his recovery. Following the tournament and a summer break, Yamal is now expected to focus on regaining full physical condition for the upcoming season with Barcelona.