Man United legend Rooney in awe of Lamine Yamal: ‘I love him, he makes me smile’ | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal needed just 45 minutes in his first-ever World Cup appearance to remind the football world why he is regarded as one of the game’s brightest stars.

The Barcelona winger opened the scoring after only ten minutes in Spain’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, helping La Roja bounce back from their disappointing goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 18-year-old winger’s performance against Saudi attracted praise from across the football world, with one of the most notable admirers being Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney.

“Lamine Makes Me Smile”

Speaking while covering the World Cup for the BBC, Rooney could not hide his admiration for the Barcelona star.

“I love Lamine Yamal, he makes me smile,” said the former Manchester United striker, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Rooney lavishes praise on Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Highlighting what makes the teenage sensation so special, Rooney added:

“He has exceptional football intelligence, something that is very difficult to teach.”

Rooney believes Lamine brings much more than just goals and flair to the Spanish national team.

According to the former England captain, the youngster’s presence gives Spain belief and confidence.

“What he brings to the Spanish national team is confidence. With him in the squad, they won the European Championship when he was only 16 years old,” Rooney stated

An even better player at 18

Can Lamine lead Spain to a World Cup triumph? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Rooney believes Yamal’s maturity has taken his game to another level and sees him as one of the keys to Spain’s hopes of winning the World Cup.

“Now that he has matured and is even better at 18 years old, he gives the team the confidence and belief that they can win this World Cup,” concluded Rooney.

Already a European champion and one of Barcelona’s standout performers, Lamine Yamal continues to win admirers wherever he goes.

And when a legend of the game, who scored more than 350 goals for Manchester United, says you make him smile, it is perhaps the clearest sign yet that football is witnessing the rise of a truly special player.