Lamine Yamal has revealed that his immediate concern after suffering the hamstring injury that ended his club season was whether it would cost him a place at the World Cup.
Speaking to the media channels of the Spanish Football Federation, the Barcelona star admitted that fear quickly replaced the initial pain when he felt the problem during a match on 22 April.
After converting a penalty for Barcelona, the winger immediately signalled to the bench and was forced off. It proved to be his final appearance of the season.
“I remember the moment I got injured,” Yamal said. “I was praying that it wasn’t serious, that it was just a cramp or something minor because the World Cup was so close. I knew a hamstring injury could mean a long recovery.”
The 18-year-old acknowledged that his biggest worry was not only the injury itself, but the possibility of a setback that could jeopardise his participation with Spain.
“I was scared it was something serious. More than that, I was afraid that even if I recovered, there might be a relapse and I would miss the tournament.”
Fortunately for both player and country, Yamal has now returned to training with Spain at Las Rozas and insists he is fully fit ahead of the competition.
“Knowing you’re about to play in a World Cup gives you extra energy. Mentally, I feel as fresh as if I hadn’t played all season. I can’t wait to make my World Cup debut.”
“The World Cup is the greatest thing in football”
Yamal also reflected on the speed of his rise from local pitches to football’s biggest stage. “Sometimes it feels like I’ve been playing professional football for ten years, but it’s only been three. Four years ago, I was playing with my friends in the neighbourhood. Now I’m preparing for a World Cup. It’s incredible.”
The Barcelona forward described the tournament as the ultimate dream for any footballer. “I’ve imagined winning the World Cup thousands of times, whether in my bedroom or after playing football in the street. For me, the World Cup is the greatest thing in football.”
Spain arrive in North America as reigning European champions, and Yamal believes Luis de la Fuente’s side has everything required to challenge for the trophy.
“Since the Euros ended, we’ve all been thinking about this tournament. We’re excited because we know what we’re capable of. We arrive as European champions and we want to go all the way.”
The teenager also highlighted the strength of the squad around him, pointing to players such as Rodri, Mikel Oyarzabal, Pedri and Marc Cucurella as reasons for optimism.
“I understand what children feel”
Away from football, Yamal spoke warmly about his relationship with supporters, particularly younger fans. “When I see a child asking for a photo or an autograph, I always try to stop. They don’t know if you’ve had a bad day or if you’re tired. They just see their idol.”
The winger recalled how much he admired Neymar as a child and said those memories shape the way he interacts with fans today.
“When I was young, Neymar was my idol. I would have done anything for a photo with him. That’s why I understand what those children feel when they come up to me. They just want to be close to someone they admire.”
