Spain news

The meteoric rise of young stars like Lamine Yamal has reignited the debate about who could inherit the throne left by the two greatest legends of modern football. However, former player Tonito warns that reaching the level of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo requires a consistency that few in history have managed to demonstrate over decades.

Mikel Oyarzabal was one of five Real Sociedad players in Spain's Euro 2024 squad. No other club had more. But neither Oyarzabal nor his fellow Basques made a song and dance about their role in Spain's success in Germany. "That would be us," he told The Guardian. "[We] don't like being in the spotlight." It's getting harder and harder for him to avoid it, though.

Barcelona star Gavi has offered a staunch defence of Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting that those who choose to write off the legendary forward are doing so from the outside. As Spain prepare for a heavyweight World Cup showdown against Portugal, the midfield engine believes the veteran remains a match-winning threat.

Lamine Yamal's 'EGO' headband became one of the biggest talking points of the 2026 World Cup after Spain's win over Austria. The accessory sparked widespread debate, with many wondering whether it was a fashion statement or a message aimed at critics questioning the Barcelona star's confidence.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon has warned his team about Cristiano Ronaldo's enduring threat ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash with Portugal. While admitting the veteran striker is no longer at his physical peak, Simon believes his goalscoring instincts remain unmatched and dismissed suggestions that this could be Ronaldo's final World Cup.

Comprehensive match preview of Portugal vs Spain at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this round of 16 clash in Texas.

Portugal defender Nelson Semedo has joined the global chorus of praise for Cape Verde following their dramatic World Cup exit at the hands of Argentina. Despite a heart-wrenching 3-2 defeat in extra time, the ex-Wolves full-back insists the island nation secured a moral victory that transcends the final scoreline.

Luis de la Fuente has acknowledged that Lamine Yamal has not yet reached his absolute peak at the 2026 World Cup, despite Spain's dominant victory over Austria. The national team manager remains completely unfazed by the teenager's lack of goals in the tournament, firmly backing his prized prodigy to make a defining impact very soon.

Spain outclassed Austria in Los Angeles to reach the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup courtesy of a 3-0 win on Thursday. The European champions avoided any sort of scare by dominating proceedings from the outset, securing a comfortable victory through Mikel Oyarzabal's brace and a header from Pedro Porro as they belatedly clicked into gear at the tournament.

Santi Cazorla has announced his retirement from professional football, ending a career that lasted more than 20 years. The former Arsenal and Spain midfielder signed off after helping boyhood club Real Oviedo return to La Liga last year, completing a memorable final chapter following one of football's greatest comeback stories.

Andres Iniesta has backed Lamine Yamal to guide Spain to a second World Cup star, despite the teenager battling injury issues. Iniesta also highlighted the brilliance of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who lead the scoring charts. Spain have progressed to face Austria, while France have already reached the last 16 in a highly unpredictable tournament.

Spain midfielder Gavi has delivered the ultimate compliment to his Barcelona and international team-mate Lamine Yamal, claiming the 18-year-old sensation is the finest player in world football when excluding Lionel Messi. The duo are chasing World Cup glory, with Gavi backing the recovering winger to handle the immense pressure during their knockout campaign.

George Weah has dismissed comparisons between Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, insisting the Frenchman is 'far superior'. The former Ballon d'Or winner delivered a glowing assessment of the France captain as Les Bleus continue their charge at the 2026 World Cup.