‘Best in world’ Yamal returns, ignites Barça rally
Barcelona’s young forward Lamine Yamal made a decisive return from injury to help secure a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad in LaLiga on Sunday, reaffirming his rising stature in world football. The 18-year-old, sidelined for four games with a groin injury, came off the bench to provide the assist for Robert Lewandowski’s winning goal shortly after entering the match at the Olympic Stadium.
Yamal’s introduction in the 58th minute altered the dynamic of the game almost immediately, with the teenager beating his marker and delivering a precise cross for Lewandowski to head home his fourth league goal of the season in the 59th minute. Although Yamal’s own goal was disallowed for a marginal offside shortly after, his impact was undeniable.
Real Sociedad had taken an unexpected early lead through Álvaro Odriozola, before Barça’s Jules Koundé leveled in first-half stoppage time via a header from Marcus Rashford’s corner. Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick expressed satisfaction with Yamal’s prompt influence, highlighting the player’s ability to create scoring opportunities and provide key passes under pressure.
Real Sociedad head coach Sergio Francisco praised Yamal effusively, describing him as “most likely the best player in the world” and emphasizing the difficulty his team faced in trying to contain the forward’s threat.
Yamal capped a highly successful week by displaying his recently awarded Kopa Trophy on the pitch, an accolade given to the best player under 21 globally. He also finished second behind Ousmane Dembélé in the Ballon d’Or voting. Flick noted that Yamal’s focus will now be on improving further and aiming to claim the Ballon d’Or next year.
The teenager’s return not only strengthens Barcelona’s attacking options but also signals the club’s commitment to integrating a prodigious talent who blends creativity, composure, and technical skill—qualities that fit well into Flick’s tactical framework. The victory moved Barcelona to the top of LaLiga, emphasizing the growing role Yamal is set to play in their campaign going forward.