Lamine Yamal dedicates maiden FIFA World Cup goal to mother, girlfriend, family & friends

Lamine Yamal made his first FIFA World Cup start on Sunday against Saudi Arabia.

Lamine Yamal scored Spain’s first goal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Saudi Arabia. After La Roja played out a goalless draw against Cape Verde on Matchday 1, it was doubted whether the European champions could replicate the success they had shown in the Euros and the Nations League on the biggest stage of football.

Yamal, who was under an injury doubt during Spain’s opening game at the summer tournament, made his first start at the World Cup against the Green Falcons on Sunday, June 21. Playing on the right flank, the 18-year-old broke the deadlock in the 10th minute.

Spain’s top performer of the match, Mikel Oyarzabal, gave a low cross to Yamal after progressing through the left flank. The Barcelona attacker was available at the right position at the right juncture as he slotted the ball in the net with his right foot.

After the match concluded, the Spanish star winger decided to talk about his maiden World Cup.

Also Read: Can Türkiye still qualify for Round of 32 of FIFA World Cup 2026?

Lamine Yamal dedicates his maiden World Cup goal to his family and people in his hometown

After scoring against Saudi Arabia at the FIFA World Cup, Lamine Yamal dedicated his goal to his family and the people of Mataró, the city where he lived during his formative years. He said:

“This goal is dedicated to my mother, my girlfriend, my family, my friends, and everyone present here, also to those in Mataró”.

Yamal grew up in Rocafondo, a working-class immigrant neighbourhood in the city of Mataró, as he mentioned in his post-match interview.

Against the Green Falcons, Yamal only played the first half, but he still had the joint most shots in the game, five. The 18-year-old maintained a passing accuracy of 91 per cent and also created a chance while making two defensive contributions.

However, most likely, he was substituted after the first half as a precaution because the 18-year-old recently recovered from a fitness issue.

Talking about Spain’s dominant 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia at the World Cup, Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice in the first half (21′, 24′) before Hassan Al Tambakti scored an own goal in the second half.

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