Lamine Yamal’s Comment About Harry Kane Resurfaces

England defeated Spain, in a thrilling 3-2 win on Sunday night at the Metropolitano in Madrid in a UEFA Nations League fixture.

The first hour was sensational for England, as Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot before goals from Ezri Konsa and Ben White put the Three Lions in dreamland.

However, Elliot Anderson was sent off in the 63rd minute after fouling Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area. Mikel Oyarzabal slotted home before Nico Williams made it 3-2.

Thomas Tuchel’s side were able to hold on to a narrow victory after playing over 30 minutes with 10 men. The world champions threw everything they had at them but James Trafford and his backline remained resolute.

Following the historic victory, Kane gets another one over Yamal, whom he beat to the 2026 Ballon d’Or award. Now, it’s interesting to look back on comments Yamal made about his English peer.

REUTERS/Pablo Morano

In an old interview with former footballer Jorge Valdano via Movistar Plus (per GOAL), Yamal was asked who he thinks should’ve won the Ballon d’Or, and he gave an interesting response, although he didn’t go as far as naming a player.

He said: “I think the Ballon d’Or should go to the best player in the world, full stop. Not to a player who has scored 80 goals, because if you score 80 goals, you get the top scorer award for that. Those are two completely different things that people don’t understand.

In Yamal’s view, the award goes to the most impactful players on the pitch, regardless of how many goals they score or titles they have won.

He even went one step further, saying: “Mbappe and I, we are the two best in the world, but I think I would have deserved it this year. For me, that is clear, and everyone who watches the match knows it.” Very bold words from the teenager.

Kane Proved Yamal Wrong

Angelika Warmuth

Kane proved those words wrong as he was crowned the first English Ballon d’Or winner since 2001 at the London Palladium theatre last month.

He beat the likes of Lionel Messi, Yamal, and Mbappe to the honour after an incredible campaign in front of goal for both Bayern Munich and England.

Kane netted 73 goals in one season, picking up the European Golden Boot award, and he got another in Yamal’s backyard with the teenager getting a front-row seat for his first-half penalty.

With Yamal saying the award shouldn’t just go to the top scorers, it somewhat takes a dig at Kane, whose whole game is built around scoring goals.