Lamine Yamal admits he was unhappy with his World Cup performance

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal says he was not satisfied with his performances at the 2026 World Cup, despite winning the tournament with Spain.

“I was not happy after winning the World Cup, and it had nothing to do with the injury,” Yamal told Spanish newspaper AS. “Although I did many things that people did not see, I was not satisfied with myself.

“I know any other player producing the same performances would have had a great World Cup, but I could have done more. I am already looking forward to taking part in the next edition.”

Yamal also defended the value of confidence and ambition when asked about accusations of ego and arrogance.

“I think ego combined with dominance is an excellent thing, as long as it is always kept under control, because it helps the whole team,” he said. “I always want to have players around me who believe they are the best.”

The Barcelona player is also considering how his role on the pitch could develop. He said he did not know exactly where he would eventually play, but expected to remain an attacking player.

“I do not know what position I will end up in, but I will always be a forward,” Yamal said. “You certainly will not see 16-year-old Lamine stuck to the touchline. The closer I gradually get to the penalty area, the more dangerous I will be.”

Yamal, who is 19, said his team-mates had helped him take on greater leadership responsibilities.

“It is the team-mates who give you the opportunity to become a leader,” he said. “I really notice that because, in difficult moments, the team is always looking to me for answers. I am very grateful that this is the case.”

The forward also reflected on comments he made before last season’s first La Liga Clasico, when he said: “Yes, Real Madrid steal and then complain all the time.”

Asked whether he regretted the remark, Yamal said he had not initially believed it was particularly offensive, although he later accepted that he could have handled the situation differently.

“That day I arrived thinking I had not been that offensive,” he said. “I would rather play in that way than play a Clasico like the one four years ago, which was practically just a formality. You knew one of the teams was going to win, but I realised I could have dealt with it in another way.”

Yamal also spoke about the influence of his cultural background and his first visit to Morocco.

“Your roots and culture help you in every part of your daily life,” he said. “When I first went to Morocco, I did not understand anything and I only spoke Spanish. I saw how difficult it was to adapt, and that makes you progress and develop. I feel very lucky.”