Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Spain forward, spoke to reporters on Monday, July 13, 2026, during a FIFA World Cup media session. The press conference took place amid Spain’s ongoing tournament campaign, with Yamal fielding questions about his recent run of matches without a goal.
The FC Barcelona player faced the media at the team’s World Cup base, appearing in front of a backdrop featuring FIFA World Cup branding and tournament sponsors.
Yamal told reporters that his lack of goals was not connected to coaching decisions. “It’s not the coach’s fault that I didn’t score five goals. These are things that happen in football and they don’t worry me,” he said. He referenced past experiences watching Spain in previous World Cup editions, adding, “I was young and watched editions of the World Cup where Spain got eliminated. We keep winning and that’s what important.” The comments came after recent club and international fixtures in which Yamal recorded multiple shots and chances created but did not register a goal or assist.
Spain manager Hansi Flick addressed Yamal’s situation after a club match earlier this year, stating the player “gave everything, he tried to score goals and give the last pass” and that his frustration was “normal”. National team coach Luis de la Fuente has also commented on Yamal’s workload, noting the player’s age and minutes played during the season.