After Spain’s 3-2 Nations League win over England at Wembley, Lamine Yamal met Declan Rice’s son and posed for a photo the boy wanted. Rice, who missed the match through injury, thanked Yamal and told him, “For me, you’re the best.”
Anthony Gordon relayed Rice’s request to Yamal after the players had returned to their dressing rooms. Rice was waiting nearby with his son, and Yamal went over to meet them.
Yamal scored early and repeatedly troubled England’s defence. His display added to discussion of his 2026 Ballon d’Or prospects; Rice’s compliment was a personal reaction, not an official assessment of the award race. Voting was due to close on September 28.
