Former Real Madrid star and Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart has responded to Lamine Yamal, after the 17-year-old clapped back in emphatic fashion against him. During Spain’s Nations League victory on penalties over the Netherlands, after a 5-5 aggregate draw, Lamine Yamal dedicated both his celebration and a social media post to van der Vaart’s criticism of him.

Van der Vaart had noted after the first leg that Ajax defender Jorrel Hato had the 17-year-old ‘in his pocket’. Although Lamine Yamal’s pressure did result in the opening goal for La Roja in Rotterdam, van der Vaart explained that he had ‘seen some things he did not like’, such as his ‘trousers lowered’, and accused him of over-confidence.

Image via EFE

After a brilliant goal in extra time, Lamine Yamal lowered his shorts in celebration, and posted a screenshot of van der Vaart on Instagram with a caption also aimed at him. However van der Vaart was asked for his response, and seemed not to have changed his opinion.

“I would advise Lamine Yamal not to worry so much about what an overweight former player says,” van der Vaart responded on Ziggo Sport, as quoted by Relief.

“At 17, with so much praise, you think the world revolves around you. It’s happened to all of us, but it’s not the case. Football is fun, but not important. If you think you’re some sort of God, you become dislikable.”

Certainly Lamine Yamal cannot be accused of lacking confidence, and at times, as with his penalty, it has perhaps hurt him. However his self-belief is so far proving very much one of his best virtues since he came onto the professional scene, allowing him to perform on the biggest stages and on many occasions, make the difference. No doubt Hansi Flick and Luis de la Fuente are following his every move closely to guard against that confidence spilling over.

Read more
Gujarat: 10 key reforms proposed to strengthen public service delivery
Newspoint
Indore: Strict Orders Issued To Prevent Child Marriages
Newspoint
George Santos hit with lengthy sentence in fraud trial: "Where is the remorse?"
Newspoint
Indore: Communities Unite As Man Renounces Faith He Adopted Years Ago
Newspoint
Capital FM DJ shares life-altering diagnosis after nearly missing MRI for lash appointment
Newspoint
Luigi Mangione pleads NOT GUILTY for UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting as he faces death penalty
Newspoint
Mumbai Cyber Cell Busts Fake Loan Scam Call Center In Delhi; Three Held For ₹1.14 Crore Fraud
Newspoint
Queen sparked 'public backlash' with extravagance as others had to 'make do'
Newspoint
MP Tech Growth Conclave 2025; State Govt Ready To Give All Support To Investors: CM
Newspoint
Atal Incubation Centre, WTC Mumbai Sign MoU To Boost Start-up Ecosystem And Global Market Access
Newspoint