Lamine Yamal, Spain and Barcelona player
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Lamine Yamal left Wembley with more than another memorable performance for Spain.
The Barcelona youngster also earned a glowing compliment from Declan Rice after making time for the Arsenal midfielder’s son following Spain’s 3-2 victory over England.
Rice, who missed the UEFA Nations League encounter through injury, had a personal request for the teenager. His son wanted a photograph with Yamal, and an unexpected meeting after the final whistle gave him that opportunity.
Gordon helps arrange meeting with Lamine
The encounter came about through Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon, who had been on the opposite side of the international contest.
Once the players had returned to their dressing rooms, Gordon approached Yamal to pass on Rice’s request. The Arsenal midfielder was waiting nearby with his son, hoping to meet the Spanish international.
🥹 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐲 𝐞𝐥 𝐡𝐢𝐣𝐨 𝐝𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞.
📹 @England#LALIGAHYPERTENSION #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/pvxGNdRznc
— Movistar Plus Deportes (@MPlusDeportes) September 27, 2026
Yamal agreed and went to see them, giving Rice’s son the photograph he had been hoping for.
The gesture prompted a warm response from the England midfielder, who personally thanked the Barcelona youngster before offering his assessment of the player.
“For me, you’re the best,” said the Arsenal midfielder.
Lamine strengthens his Ballon d’Or credentials
The meeting followed another influential international appearance for Yamal, who scored early and repeatedly troubled England’s defence.
Spain eventually secured a 3-2 victory at Wembley, with the Barcelona forward playing an important part in the result.
Lamine Yamal, Spain and Barcelona player
Lamine Yamal scored an early goal vs England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
His latest display also adds to the conversation surrounding this year’s Ballon d’Or, with the teenager continuing to attract attention through his performances for club and country.
Notably, Rice’s compliment was a personal reaction rather than an official assessment of the Ballon d’Or race.
Nevertheless, it came at a particularly interesting moment, with voting for the 2026 award closing on Monday, September 28.
With Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe injured for at least two weeks, the Barcelona star could have the upper hand in the voting now.