Lewandowski assesses Yamal after Spain's World Cup win

Robert Lewandowski has given an honest assessment of Lamine Yamal after Spain’s World Cup triumph, saying the Barcelona teenager still showed major quality despite not reaching what he considers his highest level.

Lewandowski explains why he backed Spain

Speaking to ESPN, the Poland captain said his support in the final was shaped by his close ties to Spain’s squad through his time at Barcelona. Lewandowski pointed to the number of players he knows well from the club setup, including Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Ferran Torres, Pedri and Gavi.

He said that familiarity made his choice straightforward. Lewandowski added that, on the Argentina side, the only player he knows personally is Lionel Messi, and noted that Messi had already won the previous World Cup. For that reason, and because of the relationships built in Barcelona, he found himself naturally supporting Spain.

Lewandowski also said he was pleased for the Spanish players because he felt they were ready to become world champions. In his view, the age profile of the squad means the team still has a significant future ahead of it.

His verdict on Lamine Yamal

The most striking part of Lewandowski’s comments concerned Yamal, one of the standout young names in world football. The forward said he did not believe the tournament showed the very best version of the Barcelona attacker.

Lewandowski’s view was that Yamal’s strongest level came not in the most recent season, but two seasons earlier. That was, in his opinion, the best version of the player seen so far.

Even so, his assessment was far from critical. Lewandowski stressed that Yamal remains very young and arrived at the World Cup after a lay-off caused by a hamstring injury. He noted that returning after around eight weeks out is especially difficult when the comeback comes in the middle of a major tournament, with little training time and matches coming one after another.

Injury context and tournament impact

That context matters in Lewandowski’s reading of Yamal’s performances. The Spain international had been eased back into the side by head coach Luis de la Fuente after missing the end of the season through injury.

Despite that disrupted build-up, Yamal still made a visible contribution. He scored once during the tournament and finished with the highest number of successful dribbles of any player at the World Cup, underlining the threat he continued to carry even without being, in Lewandowski’s eyes, at full sharpness.

Lewandowski also highlighted the collective dimension of Spain’s success. He said the team helped Yamal through the tournament, while Yamal in turn helped the team, describing that balance as ideal.

Lewandowski's own next step in MLS

Lewandowski’s comments came at a time when he is also adjusting to a new chapter in his own career. He has already made his debut for Chicago Fire, although the match against Inter Miami did not go well for him personally.

The striker has insisted he wants to give his new club’s supporters much more with time and said he hopes to challenge for trophies alongside his team-mates. His next opportunity will come in Chicago Fire’s upcoming MLS game away to New York City FC.