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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Yamal scored twice in Spain’s 5-4 semi-final win over France</li><li>Spain coach says Yamal “deserves the Ballon d'Or</li><li>La Roja face Portugal in the Nations League final</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Lamine Yamal 'made a statement' with stunning performance against France as Spain boss says Barcelona youngster 'deserves' the Ballon d'Or

UEFA Nations League A

Germany

France

Portugal

Spain

<p>Yamal delivered another <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/france-player-ratings-vs-spain-nations-league-semi-final-ibrahima-konate-clement-lenglet-lamine-yamal-nico-williams/blt5bce8560e2f9f505" target="_blank">standout performance for Spain as the European champions beat France 5-4 in the Nations League semi-final</a> on Thursday. The 17-year-old Barcelona winger scored a brace, including a penalty in the 54th minute and another goal in the 67th minute, asserting his growing stature on the international stage. </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">You're special, Lamine Yamal. ✨ <a href="https://t.co/mPRvzad0Ff">pic.twitter.com/mPRvzad0Ff</a></p>— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLigaEN/status/1930725149474496702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Spain advanced to the final after an intense contest that featured goals from Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, Pedri, and Yamal, with La Roja surviving a late push by France to secure the win. Yamal's performance dominated the headlines, as he made more of an impression than Champions League winner <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ballon-dor-2025-power-rankings/bltd009fae5576d751f" target="_blank">and Ballon d'Or frontrunner Ousmane Dembele</a>. </p><p>With 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 games across all competitions, the flashy winger has garnered praise from all around the globe, and De la Fuente is convinced he deserves to beat Dembele to the top individual prize.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>"He's made a statement. He's the best player in the world and, of course, in my opinion, he deserves that Ballon d'Or," he told reporters after the game.</p>

WHAT LUIS DE LA FUENTE SAID

<p>Spain will face Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the Nations League final on Sunday. De la Fuente anticipates another high-paced game with both teams' attacking strength and star-studded squads. Yamal is expected to lead the attack, with eyes on whether he can continue his decisive form and further stake a claim in the Ballon d'Or conversation. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR LAMINE YAMAL?

Lamine Yamal 'made a statement' with stunning performance against France as Spain boss says Barcelona youngster 'deserves' the Ballon d'Or | Goal.com

With France boasting a front line of Mbappe and Dembele, all eyes were on the big stars—until Lamine Yamal took over.

Lamine Yamal &apos;made a statement&apos; with stunning performance against France as Spain boss says Barcelona youngster &apos;deserves&apos; the Ballon d&apos;Or

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