Lamine Yamal's gesture for Declan Rice's son and the Englishman's praise: "You are the best"

Lamine Yamal showed at Wembley that his influence goes well beyond what happens on the pitch. The Barcelona forward, who opened the scoring and posed a constant threat in Spain's 2-3 UEFA Nations League win over England, ended the night with a warm gesture that earned him a memorable compliment from Declan Rice.

• Lamine Yamal scored Spain's opening goal in the 2-3 victory over England at Wembley.
• Anthony Gordon, his Barcelona teammate, delivered a message from Declan Rice.
• The Arsenal midfielder, sidelined by injury, was waiting with his son for a photo with Lamine.
• Rice thanked the gesture with a clear statement: "For me, you are the best".
• The praise arrives amid the Ballon d'Or debate and strengthens Lamine's global status.

Lamine Yamal's goal that set Spain on course at Wembley

The night in London began with the usual stamp of the Barcelona winger. Lamine Yamal beat the opposing goalkeeper in the opening minutes and put Spain ahead in a stadium full of history. His pace, dribbling and reading of the game unsettled the English defence throughout the match, proving once again why he is one of the brightest stars in European football.

The 2-3 win allowed Spain to conquer one of world football's most iconic venues and take a firm step in the UEFA Nations League, a competition in which Spain hold the title after their triumph in 2023.

Anthony Gordon's role as the link between dressing rooms

After the final whistle, with both teams already in their dressing rooms, Anthony Gordon approached the Spanish side carrying a message for his Barcelona teammate. The England international, who shares a club dressing room with Lamine Yamal, acted as the bridge to pass on Declan Rice's request.

The Arsenal midfielder could not play due to injury, but he remained at Wembley and had a special reason to want to speak with the young Spanish star: his son wanted a photograph with him.

Lamine Yamal's gesture for Declan Rice's son

Lamine did not hesitate. Despite the physical toll of the match and the media attention generated by his performance, he walked over to the English player to fulfil the child's request. It was a simple moment, away from the spotlight, that showed the natural way in which the Barcelona youngster handles his status as a global star.

The image became one of the most heartwarming snapshots of the night in London. The forward, who had just delivered on the pitch, showed his class off it with a detail that rose above the rivalry between national teams.

Declan Rice's powerful response: "For me, you are the best"

For me, you are the best.

That was how Declan Rice summed up his gratitude to Lamine Yamal. The England international, one of the most respected midfielders in the Premier League, did not hold back in his praise for the Spanish player after the match. His recognition carries extra weight coming from a direct rival in a fiercely competitive environment.

The words landed strongly amid the ongoing Ballon d'Or debate. At 17, Lamine Yamal has established himself as one of the leading candidates to shape world football over the next decade, and compliments like Rice's underline the dimension his figure has reached.

A complete night in Lamine Yamal's career

The Wembley match compressed everything Lamine Yamal represents today: decisive talent on the field and natural charisma off it. He scored, unsettled the opposition and left with the recognition of one of English football's most respected rivals.

Spain secured a prestigious win on their UEFA Nations League journey, and Lamine Yamal showed once again that his impact knows no age or borders. Spain's next fixture will test whether the team can keep this winning momentum, with their young star as the main attacking reference.