Wayne Rooney, the former England captain, has expressed his admiration for Barcelona’s young sensation, Lamine Yamal, calling him a player who brings joy to the game. The Manchester United legend shared his thoughts after Spain’s dominant 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the World Cup.
Speaking to the BBC, Rooney said, “Yamal is a player I truly enjoy watching. He has incredible football intelligence and always makes me smile.” The former striker highlighted Yamal’s maturity at such a young age, recalling how the winger played a key role in Spain’s Euro triumph when he was just 16.
Rooney believes Yamal’s presence gives the Spanish team a strong sense of confidence. “With him on the field, the whole squad feels they can achieve great things. He’s a game-changer,” Rooney added. The 2026 World Cup has seen Yamal continue to impress, and Rooney’s praise underscores the teenager’s growing reputation on the global stage.