Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears as Portugal picked up their second Nations League title by beating holders Spain 5-3 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in Sunday's final.
The final [Monday, 1am Bangladesh Time] in Munich has been framed as a showdown between veteran Ronaldo, 40, one of the game's biggest names, and 17-year-old Yamal, the most exciting young talent in world football.
Yamal bagged a brace while Williams scored and provided an assist as the two wingers cut France's makeshift defence to ribbons.
Yamal and Dembele have been crucial for club and country this season and the prestigious golden ball trophy could end up with one of them in September during the ceremony in Paris.
Local media have reported that the exciting Spanish international could become the Barcelona squad's highest-paid player if he meets certain performance-related clauses.
Barcelona's 28th Spanish league title caps a remarkable season defined by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who at 17 has emerged as world football's most electrifying talent.
"Yamal is a pure, unique talent, a player who has proven to be different from the rest. He grew up in Barcelona's academy, where the 'Lionel Messi' identity is very present, so these kids copy that format," Trezeguet, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, told reporters.
As Barcelona stood on the edge of another dark era, history will recall that it was the youth who pulled them back -- and how.
Together, they have not only lifted Barça back to domestic supremacy but turned every encounter against Real Madrid into a stage for their individual magic.
Drenched in vibrant pink and turquoise, the boots are inspired by the pulsating energy of Miami, Messi’s new home on the pitch.
Hansi Flick's Barca are a step away from reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2019 and extended their unbeaten run to 23 matches.
Lamine Yamal scored a brilliant goal but also missed a penalty on another night of growth for Barcelona's teenage star as Spain reached the Nations League semi-finals.
"It's been completely normal for us. He is following his precepts, his rules, as he is following them at his club (Barcelona)," De la Fuente said during a press conference ahead of Spain's first-leg tie in Rotterdam.
Trailing by two goals, the Catalan giants mounted a remarkable turnaround, with Yamal netting in the 92nd minute and Ferran Torres sealing the victory in the 98th. The win saw Barca leapfrog Madrid, who had briefly taken the lead in the standings following their victory over Villarreal on Saturday.
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha dazzled as Barcelona thumped Benfica 3-1 on Tuesday, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals 4-1 on aggregate.
Although Belgian striker Robert Lewandowski scored the decisive goal in the 61st minute, it was Yamal who stole the spotlight at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.
Barcelona's last visit to face Benfica ended in a heavy thumping on the way to Champions League group stage elimination in 2021, but with young starlet Lamine Yamal propelling a team on the rise, hopes are far higher for the Catalans this time around.
Gavi put Barcelona ahead from close range after 17 minutes and teenage winger Yamal netted the second early after the break.
Cristiano Ronaldo could become the first man in history to register 950 official career goals. The 39-year-old is currently on 916. Ronaldo hit 43 goals for Al Nassr and Portugal in 2024. Second-placed Lionel Messi in on 850.
