Lamine Yamal - when Mbappe also had to bow his head

Lamine Yamal is on a roll.

Seven wins in eight meetings - that's a chilling, haunting statistic. But behind those dry statistics lies a quiet shift in the balance of power between two generations - and perhaps two footballing eras.

If Mbappe represents modern football with his speed, power and goal-scoring instinct, Yamal is the epitome of sophistication, organization and overall influence on the game. The way the 17-year-old overshadowed both Dembele and Mbappe in the Nations League semi-final on the morning of June 6 was not simply an excellent performance, but also a declaration of a new generation on the rise - modest but not lacking in power.

After scoring twice against France, Yamal simply responded to questions about the Ballon d'Or: "I like to answer with my feet." That's not arrogance, but the demeanor of an artist - someone who lets his feet speak for themselves. And it seems that in every big match, every time he faces stars like Mbappe, Yamal quietly affirms his position in the journey to conquer the top.

Mbappe remains one of the world's most dangerous players. He has scored eight goals and provided one assist in his appearances against Yamal - compared to five goals and three assists from the Barca youngster.

However, the difference lies in the nature of the goals: while Mbappe scores but cannot bring victory, Yamal always shines at the right time, contributing to deciding the outcome of the match and even the title.

Mbappe’s only win over Yamal came in the second leg of last season’s Champions League quarter-finals, when PSG came from behind to eliminate Barcelona. But since EURO 2024 – where Yamal was named “Best Young Player of the Tournament” – the tide has turned. The young Spaniard has won six consecutive victories in all competitions: La Liga, Super Cup, Copa del Rey and even on the national team stage.

The game is no longer simply between two teams. It is a fierce competition between two individuals - one is an established star, the other is a talent on the rise. And in this match, it is Mbappe who is chasing.

Yamal is Mbappe's obsession.

Yamal is the quintessential Spanish footballer - calm, intelligent and in control. But what sets him apart is his steely mentality and incredible ability to play at the age of 17. Unfazed by the big stars, unfazed by the spotlight - instead, Yamal steps up and writes his own starring role.

Mbappe was once seen as the heir to the throne left by Messi and Ronaldo. But now, he is facing a new generation that is not waiting for the handover. Yamal did not come to learn. He came to challenge. And it seems that Mbappe is gradually getting used to accepting defeat every time he faces this guy.

It may be too early to say who will win the Ballon d'Or, but if there is one name that is moving fast, moving strong and moving in the right direction - it is definitely Lamine Yamal.

When a 17-year-old player repeatedly defeats one of the world's biggest superstars, it's no longer a passing phenomenon. It's an affirmation: a new era is forming - and it's called Yamal.

Source: https://znews.vn/lamine-yamal-khi-mbappe-cung-phai-cui-dau-post1558836.html