‘I’m Barca’s No.10’ - Lamine Yamal embraces the pressure of being Spain’s star man & delivers fitness update at the 2026 World Cup
Lamine Yamal has confidently embraced the massive pressure of wearing Barcelona's number 10 shirt while starring for Spain at the 2026 World Cup. The teenage sensation has delivered a positive fitness update, confirming he is fully prepared to play 90 minutes in the upcoming knockout fixtures despite recent injury concerns and careful management during the group stages.
Rather than shrinking from the spotlight, Yamal has accepted his role as a leading figure for both club and country. I understand that people are going to target the player who excites the most. Pedri and Rodri are great but the pressure I have - I'm Barca's 10, the winger. But I'm happy with this. The pressure is when you can't do what they ask you, but I can, he explained.
After being managed carefully during the initial fixtures, the winger has now declared himself ready to feature prominently, though he left the final call to the manager. I'm very well, very happy. I have trained with a lot of desire and am excited to get to this moment. I'm at 90-80% and getting better - it doesn't go down. I'm ready for 90 minutes, Yamal stated. He added that The coach decides. I'll tell him how I'm doing and if I can stand it. If I see that there is a half-chance I don't challenge for it to prevent getting hurt, but I train hard.
Yamal was candid about the current level of the squad, noting that securing victories remains the priority. Is our level the same as the Euros? I have played well many times with Barca and we have gone home, but the important thing is to win, he remarked.
Reflecting on his first tournament goal, the forward revealed his immense pride. I have never felt so much happiness. The World Cup is different and it is with your country. I never get excited. I don't cry. I cried when I got hurt, when I saw my mother cry. If I win the World Cup I won't cry - it's impossible.
Spain face Austria in the round of 32, where Yamal will hope to start and finally complete a full 90 minutes.