As the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico, and the USA draws closer, Spain and Barcelona's 18-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal sat down for an exclusive interview with FIFA. In the interview, the football sensation shared his immense excitement for his first World Cup, his secret to managing global pressure, and why head coach Luis de la Fuente's "smiling football" philosophy is the key to unlocking his creativity.
Despite currently racing against time to recover from a recent thigh injury, Yamal's words brimmed with anticipation for the grandest stage. The record-breaking young talent is looking forward to elevating his game to a "superhero" dimension this summer.
Handling Pressure: "I'd Be Nervous If It Were a Regular Job"
As one of the most highly anticipated superstars in world football, Yamal's maturity and relaxation on the pitch, far transcending his age, have been a constant talking point. When asked how he maintains his freedom of play under the immense pressure of a tournament as prestigious as the World Cup, Yamal offered a uniquely characteristic response:
"If I were given a regular job, I would probably be very nervous. Because I've never done it, I would definitely worry about messing things up. But football is different-it's what I've been doing since I was a kid; it's the area I know best. So, I try to enjoy it. When I look up at the stands and see my parents, knowing they are proud of me, all the pressure just vanishes. It's a wonderful feeling."
The Philosophy of Smiling: Joy as the Source of Creativity
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has always emphasized that his players should play "with a smile." For Yamal, whose style relies heavily on inspiration and an unconstrained flair, this philosophy of joy is his core driving force.
Rejecting the Ordinary: Yamal put it bluntly: "My style of play depends heavily on creativity. When I can't enjoy the game, my performance suffers. Everything becomes flat and uninspired."
Superhero State: "But when I'm happy, just like during the last Euros, everything clicks naturally and I feel much more free. I always say that when I reach my peak form, it feels like becoming a 'superhero'-faster, stronger, with adrenaline pumping. I feel like nothing can stop me, and I can't wait to reach that level at the World Cup."
