In the aftermath of Spain’s thrilling UEFA Nations League quarterfinal victory over the Netherlands, a notable exchange unfolded between former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart and Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal.
Former Dutch Star Van der Vaart Advises Lamine Yamal After Public Spat
Prior to the match, Van der Vaart had criticized Yamal’s on-field demeanor, specifically commenting on the young player’s tendency to wear his shorts “too low” and questioning his level of effort.
Lamine Yamal posted as reply to Van der Vaart after scoring vs Netherlands.
Van der Vaart said about Lamine on Monday: “I noticed some things about Lamine Yamal that started to me. His , he didn’t try too hard, he had… pic.twitter.com/itYERp6FgB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 24, 2025
Yamal, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s 3-3 draw and subsequent penalty shootout triumph, responded pointedly to Van der Vaart’s remarks.
After scoring a crucial goal in extra time, the 17-year-old celebrated by deliberately adjusting his shorts, a clear nod to the earlier critique.
He further addressed the comments on social media, posting images and messages that highlighted his performance and Spain’s advancement, subtly referencing Van der Vaart’s observations.
In response to Yamal’s actions, Van der Vaart offered a blend of praise and counsel. Speaking to Ziggo Sports, he lauded Yamal’s exceptional talent and the extraordinary nature of his goal, acknowledging the young player‘s significant potential.
However, Van der Vaart also expressed concern about the perils of early adulation, advising Yamal to remain grounded amid widespread acclaim.
He emphasized the importance of humility, cautioning that a sense of superiority at such a young age could be detrimental.
This exchange underscores the complex dynamics young athletes often navigate as they rise to prominence.
While Yamal’s on-field prowess continues to capture attention, the dialogue with Van der Vaart serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in balancing professional success with personal development.
As Spain prepares to face France in the Nations League semifinals, all eyes will be on Yamal to see how he channels this experience into his evolving career
