Not all football rivalries start on the pitch. Some battles start on social media, in press conferences, or over seemingly indiscriminate words. For Lamine Yamal and Adrien Rabiot, their battle began over a snub – and exploded into a stunning goal in Munich.
The fateful Munich night
In July 2024, before the EURO semi-finals, Rabiot - then a key midfielder of the French team - did not hesitate to "confront" the young star on the other side of the front line: "If he wants to play in the final, he has to show more than what he has done before". A familiar provocation from veterans, but this time, it became a painful slap in the face to himself.
Just hours later, Lamine Yamal, then 16, equalized for Spain with a daring left-footed strike. The goal not only eliminated the deficit, but also decided the game – Spain came from behind to win 2-1 and advance to the final. The performance not only put to rest any doubters, but also sent a new message to European football: the next generation was ready to take the throne.
Yamal later wrote on Instagram: “Move in silence and only speak when it’s time to checkmate.” It wasn’t just a message to Rabiot, but a philosophy he brings to every game – letting the ball speak for him.
Rabiot is still highly regarded by coach Didier Deschamps in the French national team. |
Rabiot represents the old model of player - technique, experience, and sometimes arrogance backed by fame. Lamine Yamal is a breath of fresh air - young, sharp, no need for loud words, just an explosive moment to capture the audience's mind.
That confrontation did not stop after EURO. Recently, before the Nations League semi-final between Spain and France, which will take place in the early morning of June 6, Yamal once again "launched the first blow" - reposting the photo of the moment he scored against France, accompanied by the song "Nobody Knows" by Bad Bunny. No words, no comments, just an image - enough to evoke an old story that those involved certainly cannot forget.
Yamal also shared that a friend texted him before the EURO match that year: “If you score, remember to give it to Rabiot”. When France opened the scoring through Kolo Muani, Yamal just quietly looked towards the stands, saw his friend, and then began his journey to rewrite the match’s outcome with a masterpiece from his genius left foot.
Chapter two awaits
This Nations League semi-final is not just a rematch between two of Europe's top teams. It is also the second chapter in a personal battle between Lamine Yamal and Adrien Rabiot.
One is on the rise and is considered a leading candidate for the Ballon d'Or in the future. Another, once a mainstay of the French national team, is now struggling to maintain his position in the face of a wave of youth.
What's special about Lamine Yamal is not only his talent, but also his maturity and wisdom in approaching big matches. |
If Yamal continues to shine, it will not only be a victory in terms of scores or titles. It will be a strong statement in the race to assert himself - both in the national team and on the path to the top of world football. And conversely, if Rabiot rises, he will also have the opportunity to regain his honor, and prove that his time is not over.
What makes Lamine Yamal special is not only his talent, but also his maturity and wisdom in approaching big matches. At 17, the football prodigy of “La Roja” is fearless and unpretentious. Instead, there are subtle messages, sent through every shot, every glance, and even every seemingly innocuous Instagram post.
In front of an experienced Rabiot, Lamine Yamal did not choose to confront him directly with words. The Spanish talent chose to talk less and do more. And that is also the reason why the whole world began to believe that this prodigy is not only the future of Spanish football - but also the new face of Europe.
Chapter two is about to begin. And Lamine Yamal is ready.
Source: https://znews.vn/tran-chien-chua-ket-giua-yamal-va-rabiot-post1558381.html
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