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<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/raphinha/"><strong>Raphinha</strong></a> emerged as one of the most influential stars of the 2024-25 season, but a perceived lack of recognition in major individual awards has left the Brazilian forward slightly frustrated, a feeling he addressed publicly. After being named <strong>La Liga Player of the Year</strong> ahead of teammate <strong>Lamine Yamal</strong>, <strong>the FC Barcelona standout appeared to take a subtle jab at the </strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ballon-dor/"><strong>Ballon d’Or</strong></a>.</p>



<p>At the end of 2025, the Globe Soccer Awards were held in the United Arab Emirates, with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/la-liga/"><strong>La Liga</strong></a> honors featured prominently during the ceremony. When the Player of the Year award was announced, Raphinha, who wasn’t able to attend in person, took home the honor and expressed his gratitude. “<em>I want to thank you for this very special recognition. <strong>It means a lot to me that my work is being valued, as well as the work of the entire team</strong>,</em>” he said.</p>



<p>After acknowledging his teammates, Raphinha appeared to send a pointed message toward award organizers elsewhere. “<em><strong>I would also like to thank everyone at La Liga for watching my matches last season</strong></em>,” he added with a smile, an apparent nod toward institutions like Ballon d’Or’s France Football and UEFA that overlooked him in their voting.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251228_WST_612434_raphinha-barcelona-la-liga-trophy-1200x675_ee24639b.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-601731" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Raphinha of FC Barcelona lifts the La Liga trophy.</figcaption></figure>



<p>Raphinha closed his remarks on a high note with a heartfelt message to Barcelona: “<em><strong>I want to thank this special club. For me, it’s not just a club; it also feels like a family</strong>—FC Barcelona. Being able to wear this shirt and give my best in every match while defending these colors is something very special and unforgettable.</em>“</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/did-barcelona-really-tell-robert-lewandowski-to-stop-scoring-ex-bayern-star-sets-record-straight-on-bizarre-request-with-nine-word-claim/"></div>


<h2>Yamal finishes behind Raphinha in La Liga voting</h2>



<p>With 18 goals and 12 assists in 36 appearances, Raphinha was recognized as <strong>La Liga MVP both at the end of the season and again at the Globe Soccer Awards</strong>. Still, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/"><strong>Lamine Yamal</strong></a>, who attended the gala alongside teammate and close friend Alejandro Balde, did not leave empty-handed.</p>



<p>Yamal claimed La Liga’s Best U-23 Player award and was also named Best Forward for 2025. Club legend Andrés Iniesta presented him with the former honor and offered glowing praise for the teenage sensation. “<em><strong>It’s an absolute joy to watch Lamine Yamal, for Barça and for Spain</strong>,</em>” Iniesta said.</p>

Raphinha takes subtle jab at Ballon d’Or after winning La Liga Player of the Year over Lamine Yamal

Raphinha takes subtle jab at Ballon d’Or after winning La Liga Player of the Year over Lamine Yamal - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

<p>The story sounds almost unbelievable in modern elite soccer: a world-class striker, signed to score goals, allegedly being asked to think twice about finding the net. Yet for&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/robert-lewandowski/">Robert Lewandowski</a></strong>, the question has lingered ever since whispers emerged about a mysterious clause tied to his move from Bavaria to Catalonia. Was there really a moment when goals became a financial problem rather than a solution?</p>



<p>In recent weeks, that rumor has resurfaced with renewed intensity, fueled by comments from Lewandowski himself. Without confirming every detail outright, the Barcelona forward has offered rare insight into the delicate balance between sporting ambition and financial survival at one of soccer’s biggest institutions. What he said — and how he said it — has reopened a conversation that goes far beyond one player or one clause.</p>



<p>When Lewandowski arrived at&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a></strong>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<strong>Bayern Munich</strong>&nbsp;in the summer of 2022, he was meant to symbolize a return to dominance. The Polish striker delivered exactly that on the pitch, firing Barcelona to domestic success and re-establishing himself as one of Europe’s most reliable finishers.</p>



<p>But behind the scenes, the club’s fragile finances meant that every detail of the transfer mattered. Reports later suggested that part of the agreement with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/bayern/">Bayern</a> included&nbsp;<strong>performance-based bonuses</strong>, one of which would be triggered if Lewandowski scored a specific number of goals in La Liga. In an era when Barca was scrutinizing every expense, even goals carried a price tag.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251227_WST_612279_lewandowski-barcelona-new-camp-nou_309aa7ea.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="lewandowski barcelona new camp nou" class="wp-image-605792"></figure><figcaption>Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring.</figcaption></figure>



<p>Those claims initially appeared in an unauthorized biography, sparking debate across Spain and beyond. The most shocking allegation was simple and startling: that the Blaugrana had, at one stage,&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/robert-lewandowski-received-unusual-request-from-barcelona-to-stop-scoring-goals-to-avoid-financial-constraints/">asked their own striker to stop scoring</a></strong>.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/robert-lewandowski-makes-candid-admission-about-his-barcelona-future-amid-exit-rumors-i-dont-know/"></div>


<h2>What did Lewandowski say?</h2>



<p>Speaking to Polish journalist Bogdan Rymanowski, Lewandowski finally addressed the subject. His tone was cautious, respectful, and revealing in equal measure. As reported by&nbsp;<em><strong>Mundo Deportivo</strong></em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong><em>Marca</em>,</strong> the striker chose not to deny the story outright. <em>“There are things I don’t want to talk about. I have a lot of respect for Barcelona and the people who work there. I was aware of the club’s situation,”</em>&nbsp;Lewandowski said.</p>



<p>That sentence alone was enough to confirm that something unusual had occurred. He acknowledged the financial context without accusing anyone directly, making it clear that the situation reflected the broader reality Barcelona was living through at the time.</p>



<p>It was later in the interview that Lewandowski revealed the line that stunned supporters and pundits alike — the moment when the abstract rumor became deeply personal. <em>“For me, nothing changed. I have no problem with that, although it stuck in my mind and at some point,&nbsp;<strong>I wondered whether to score a goal or not</strong>,”</em>&nbsp;he admitted. </p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Rymanowski, Lewandowski: Prawdziwy Lewandowski" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hz5vbW9hazk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>Those nine words transformed speculation into lived experience. The idea that one of the most ruthless finishers of his generation could hesitate, even momentarily, because of a financial clause speaks volumes about the pressures inside modern soccer’s biggest clubs.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/sad-post-lionel-messi-reality-robert-lewandowskis-biography-uncovers-barcelonas-bizarre-cost-cutting-measures-due-to-financial-woes/"></div>


<h2>Why the clause mattered so much</h2>



<p>According to reports relayed by<em> <strong>Marca</strong></em>, the clause in question would have required Barcelona to pay Bayern $3 million if Lewandowski had&nbsp;reached&nbsp;<strong>25 league goals</strong>&nbsp;during the 2022-23 season. He eventually finished on&nbsp;<strong>23</strong>.</p>



<p>At that stage, the Catalans had already secured the league title. There was no sporting urgency left — only financial calculation. The club was still outside La Liga’s 1:1 spending rule and operating under strict constraints. Saving $3 million, while seemingly modest at the elite level, was significant in a period when the club was, as Lewandowski put it,&nbsp;<em>“looking at every single euro.”</em></p>



<p>Despite the mental weight of the situation, the veteran striker was keen to stress that his professionalism never wavered. <em>“For me, nothing changed. I had no problem with that,”</em>&nbsp;he repeated, underlining that he never downed tools or acted against the team’s interests.</p>

Did Barcelona really tell Robert Lewandowski to stop scoring? Ex-Bayern star sets record straight on bizarre request with nine-word claim

Did Barcelona really tell Robert Lewandowski to stop scoring? Ex-Bayern star sets record straight on bizarre request with nine-word claim - World Soccer Talk

<p>At first glance, the comparison feels almost unfair.&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/christian-pulisic/">Christian Pulisic</a></strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Luka Modric</strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>Lamine Yamal</strong>&nbsp;represent three completely different points on soccer’s timeline: a player in his prime, a teenage phenomenon, and a veteran who has seemingly refused to age. Yet this season at Milan, one quietly revealing number links all three—and it tells a story that says as much about trust, leadership, and endurance as it does about tactics or talent.</p>



<p>However, <strong>Christian Pulisic trails <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/luka-modric/">Luka Modric</a> in one key Milan stat this season</strong>, and remarkably, the Croatian icon also surpasses the teenage sensation <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/">Yamal</a> in the same category. For a 40-year-old midfielder to sit at the top of such a metric in one of Europe’s most demanding leagues is more than a curiosity. It is a statement.</p>



<p>When Modric arrived at the San Siro on a free transfer after 13 trophy-laden years at Real Madrid, the reaction was mixed. Admiration, yes—but also questions. Could a 40-year-old truly be the heartbeat of a Serie A side chasing the Scudetto?</p>



<p>A few months into the season, the answer is unequivocal. <strong>Modric has become indispensable under Massimiliano Allegri</strong>. His calm authority, positional intelligence, and technical clarity have reshaped <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ac-milan/">Milan</a>’s midfield rhythm. There is a visible difference between the club with Modric and the Rossoneri without him.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251226_WST_612149_Luka-Modric-1-1200x675_8363c3d9.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Luka Modric" class="wp-image-598702" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Luka Modric of AC Milan</figcaption></figure>



<p>The numbers back it up. When the Croatian starts, Milan’s points-per-game average hovers around&nbsp;<strong>2.50</strong>, and the Rossoneri have lost just once in the league—on the opening day against Cremonese. In contrast, the rare occasions when Allegri left him out of the starting XI ended in defeats, notably against Lazio in the Coppa Italia and Napoli in the Italian Super Cup.</p>


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<h2>The hidden stat revealed</h2>



<p>Midway through the season,&nbsp;<em>Score90</em>&nbsp;published a list that quietly underlined Modric’s influence. &nbsp;Despite being 40,&nbsp;<strong>Luka Modric leads Milan in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/serie-a/">Serie A</a> minutes</strong>, clocking&nbsp;<strong>1,325 minutes</strong>&nbsp;across the first 15 league matches. He has completed the full 90 minutes in all but two games, resting for just 16 minutes on debut and nine minutes in a later win over Udinese. That figure places him above every other Milan player—and comfortably ahead of Christian Pulisic.</p>



<p>For Pulisic, the comparison is not an indictment, but context. The American forward has played&nbsp;<strong>519 Serie A minutes</strong>, a number shaped largely by injury interruptions earlier in the campaign. And yet, despite the reduced game time,&nbsp;<strong>the American remains Milan’s top scorer</strong>, with&nbsp;<strong>nine goals in all competitions</strong>, including&nbsp;<strong>seven in the league</strong>. In other words, while the 40-year-old has been the club’s most-used player, Pulisic has been its most decisive in the final third.</p>



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">40 year old Luka Modrić has played the most minutes in Serie A for AC Milan this season.🤯 <a href="https://t.co/Nwbl3tyT58">pic.twitter.com/Nwbl3tyT58</a></p>— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) <a href="https://twitter.com/MadridXtra/status/2001893510702829585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2025</a></blockquote></div>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/christian-pulisics-gain-real-madrids-pain-the-luka-modric-decision-that-changed-everything-for-xabi-alonso/"></div>


<h2>Surpassing even Lamine Yamal</h2>



<p>Perhaps the most eye-catching comparison is not with Pulisic, but with Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona teenager, widely regarded as the most exciting young player in world soccer, has logged&nbsp;<strong>1,172 minutes</strong>&nbsp;in La Liga this season. That is an extraordinary workload for an 18-year-old.</p>



<div class="ck-instagram"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSusVOKj0qU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%;width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px);width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSusVOKj0qU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style="flex-direction: row;align-items: center"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px"></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0"></div> <div style="height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px"></div><div style="padding-top: 8px"> <div style="color:#3897f0;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:550;line-height:18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0"></div> <div style="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"> <div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"></div></div></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"></div></div></a><p style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSusVOKj0qU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Oh My Goal (@ohmygoal)</a></p></div></blockquote></div>



<p>And yet,&nbsp;<strong>Modric—22 years older—has played even more</strong>. The juxtaposition is staggering. One player is at the dawn of his career, the other approaching its twilight. Still, it is the veteran who leads in endurance and availability.</p>

Christian Pulisic left chasing as Luka Modric rolls back the years: Milan star still setting the standard above USMNT ace, and even Lamine Yamal despite age gap

Christian Pulisic left chasing as Luka Modric rolls back the years: Milan star still setting the standard above USMNT ace, and even Lamine Yamal despite age gap - World Soccer Talk

<p>The balance of power in modern soccer is often measured by goals, speed, and star power. Yet in 2025, one of the most revealing metrics tells a different story. Across all first divisions, domestic competitions, continental tournaments, and international soccer,&nbsp;<strong>creativity has become the true currency</strong>. While familiar icons like&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a></strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/">Lamine Yamal</a></strong> continue to dominate headlines, the assist charts have delivered a quiet shock: a new name has risen above them both, redefining what elite playmaking looks like this year.</p>



<p>It is a reminder that soccer’s hierarchy is never static. Even in an era still shaped by Messi’s vision and Yamal’s explosiveness, 2025 has crowned a different kind of protagonist—one built on consistency, intelligence, and relentless chance creation rather than sheer celebrity.</p>



<p>According <strong>to&nbsp;<em>Transfermarkt’s</em></strong> data,&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/michael-olise/">Michael Olise</a> has recorded 30 assists in 66 matches across all competitions and national-team appearances in 2025</strong>, the highest total of any player in world soccer.</p>



<p>That single statistic carries enormous weight. It places Olise ahead of some of the most iconic creators the sport has ever seen and does so without the marketing noise or historical baggage that often accompanies such rankings. This is not a brief purple patch or a competition-specific spike. It is&nbsp;<strong>sustained output across an entire calendar year</strong>, achieved through regular selection, tactical trust, and repeated end-product.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="The GREATEST Debut Season in Bundesliga HISTORY? 👀 📚 | Michael Olise" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gBMlR4IkmCQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>In an age where goals dominate conversations, the Frenchman’s numbers are a reminder that the players who&nbsp;<strong>decide matches before the final touch</strong>&nbsp;are often just as valuable as those who apply it.</p>


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<h2>Messi still sets the standard—but no longer leads</h2>



<p>Close behind the new leader sits Lionel Messi, who has produced&nbsp;<strong>29 assists in just 54 matches</strong>. On a per-game basis, the Argentine remains extraordinary, continuing to bend matches to his will with timing, vision, and anticipation that few players in history have ever matched.</p>



<p>What makes Messi’s position remarkable is not that he finished second—it is that he is still competing at the very top of global creative metrics at this stage of his career. Even now, his influence remains central to his club’s attacking identity, dictating tempo and unlocking defenses with minimal touches.</p>



<p>Yet for the first time in years,&nbsp;<strong>the Argentine is not the benchmark everyone else is chasing</strong>. In 2025, he is the one being edged out, not because of decline, but because another player has matched consistency with availability across more games.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1350" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251225_WST_611953_Top-10-players-with-most-assists-in-2025_c564cd1c.webp&amp;width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Top 10 players with most assists in 2025" class="wp-image-611967"></figure><figcaption>Top 10 players with most assists in 2025</figcaption></figure>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/lionel-messi-like-numbers-lamine-yamal-finishes-2025-ahead-of-kylian-mbappe-in-crucial-attacking-feat/"></div>


<h2>Generational shift takes shape</h2>



<p>Perhaps the most symbolic name near the summit is&nbsp;<strong>Lamine Yamal</strong>, who has already amassed&nbsp;<strong>27 assists in 60 matches</strong>. At just 18, his inclusion among the world’s elite creators is one of the clearest indicators that soccer is entering a new era.</p>



<p>Yamal’s numbers are not built on sporadic brilliance or highlight-reel dribbles alone. They reflect&nbsp;<strong>responsibility</strong>. He is trusted to make decisions in decisive zones, to supply final balls, and to influence matches consistently. Being placed statistically alongside Messi rather than far below him is not symbolism—it is evidence.</p>

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal left behind: Fans stunned as surprise tops soccer elite in total assists in 2025

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal left behind: Fans stunned as surprise tops soccer elite in total assists in 2025 - World Soccer Talk

<p>Barcelona’s long-serving captain has spent most of his international career waiting: Waiting for trust, waiting for an opportunity, waiting for the moment when his club’s stature would finally translate into unquestioned status with his country. As the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins to narrow,&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/marc-andre-ter-stegen/">Marc-Andre ter Stegen</a></strong>&nbsp;now finds himself at the center of a tense and defining crossroads—caught between recovery, competition, and a message from the very top of German soccer that leaves little room for ambiguity.</p>



<p>For years, Ter Stegen has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in Europe at&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a></strong>, yet his international story with&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/germany/">Germany</a></strong>&nbsp;has been shaped by patience rather than prominence. With a new World Cup cycle underway and Manuel Neuer no longer blocking the path, this was supposed to be&nbsp;<em>his</em>&nbsp;tournament. Instead, the conditions attached to that dream have now been made crystal clear.</p>



<p>For over a decade, the German shot-stopper lived in the shadow of a generational icon. No matter how strong his performances in Spain, his role with the DFB-Team rarely changed: reliable deputy, elite alternative, but never the uncontested No.1. The retirement of Neuer was meant to close that chapter.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">2026 World Cup</a>, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, represented something deeply symbolic—<strong>the first major tournament in which Ter Stegen would finally stand at the front of the line</strong>. But soccer timing can be cruel. A serious back injury sidelined him for months, and by the time he returned, circumstances at Barcelona had shifted dramatically.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="TER STEGEN&apos;s TOP SAVES for BARÇA 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣8️⃣ 📝" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AWB8RryktsM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>The arrival of a new goalkeeper in strong form at club level has complicated his path back into the starting XI, raising uncomfortable questions just as the international stakes increase.</p>


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<h2>Germany reveals its stance</h2>



<p>Those questions were addressed directly this week by&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/Rudi-Voller">Rudi Voller</a></strong>, the sporting director of the German national team. Speaking in an interview with<strong> <em>Kicker</em></strong>, Voller removed any ambiguity around Germany’s stance. <em>“It doesn’t matter if he’s still in Barcelona or somewhere else;&nbsp;<strong>in the end, he has to play</strong>,”</em>&nbsp;Voller said.</p>



<p><em>“And then we will all be happy for him if, after many years as a world-class goalkeeper in the shadow of Manuel Neuer, he has the opportunity to be between the posts at a World Cup.”</em> That seven-word message is as direct as international soccer gets. Reputation alone will not secure a World Cup starting role.&nbsp;<strong>Match fitness and regular minutes are non-negotiable</strong>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251225_WST_611911_Ter-Stegen-2-1200x675_5540da83.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Barcelona&apos;s Ter Stegen and Hansi Flick" class="wp-image-599676" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Marc-Andre Ter Stegen of FC Barcelona embraces Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona.</figcaption></figure>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/lamine-yamal-teammates-2026-fifa-world-cup-dream-in-danger-despite-barcelona-brilliance-spain-boss-luis-de-la-fuente-drops-harsh-eight-word-verdict-on-final-decision/"></div>


<h2>Will Ter Stegen make the final cut?</h2>



<p>Voller was careful to stress that Ter Stegen is not being frozen out. On the contrary, communication between the player and the federation has been constant. <em>“Marc has been in very close contact with our goalkeeper coach Andreas Kronenberg for months,”</em>&nbsp;he confirmed, underlining that Germany remains invested in his situation.</p>



<p>Still, uncertainty reigns. Germany head coach&nbsp;<strong>Julian Nagelsmann</strong>&nbsp;has not yet locked in his World Cup hierarchy. That openness cuts both ways. While it keeps the 33-year-old in the conversation, it also opens the door to rivals.</p>

2026 FIFA World Cup on the line: Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen gets brutal reality check as Germany director lays down clear condition for his participation

2026 FIFA World Cup on the line: Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen gets brutal reality check as Germany director lays down clear condition for his participation - World Soccer Talk

<p><strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/">Cristiano Ronaldo</a></strong> has shared dressing rooms with many elite defenders over the course of his career, from Champions League winners in Madrid to ambitious projects abroad. One of those former teammates is now quietly reshaping the landscape of international soccer ahead of 2026. As <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/">Spain</a> begins to narrow their options for the next FIFA World Cup, a familiar and trusted figure is returning to the spotlight—placing unexpected pressure on a younger star at club level. The consequence could be severe:&nbsp;<strong>a World Cup dream hanging in the balance</strong>.</p>



<p>With<strong> Ronaldo</strong>&nbsp;having previously lined up alongside&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/aymeric-laporte/">Aymeric Laporte</a></strong>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/al-nassr/">Al-Nassr</a></strong>, the defender’s resurgence is now being felt far beyond club soccer. For Spain, continuity and trust matter—and that reality may come at the expense of youth.</p>



<p>Spain coach&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/luis-de-la-fuente/">Luis de la Fuente</a></strong>&nbsp;faces one of the most delicate balancing acts of his tenure. With the upcoming tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada approaching, La Roja is largely building on the foundations of their successful Euro 2024 campaign. Stability has been rewarded—but competition is intensifying.</p>



<p>Midfield places are already under threat, with emerging form from Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino placing pressure on established names. Even former captain Alvaro Morata faces an uphill battle to secure his ticket. Yet perhaps the most volatile area of all is&nbsp;<strong>central defence</strong>, where experience, reliability, and fitness are being weighed against youth and potential.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251224_WST_611829_Rodri-Laporte-Strike-1200x675_5189341c.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Rodri-Laporte-Strike" class="wp-image-534311" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Rodri and Laporte of Spain</figcaption></figure>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/lamine-yamal-teammates-2026-fifa-world-cup-dream-in-danger-despite-barcelona-brilliance-spain-boss-luis-de-la-fuente-drops-harsh-eight-word-verdict-on-final-decision/"></div>


<h2>Rapid rise followed by uncertainty</h2>



<p>Few players broke into the Spain setup as quickly as <strong>Dean Huijsen</strong>. First called up in March, the young defender made an immediate impression in the Nations League quarter-finals and quickly became a regular feature whenever fit. Between March and October, he&nbsp;<strong>did not miss a single minute</strong>&nbsp;for the national side.</p>



<p>That momentum, however, has stalled. Injuries have disrupted his rhythm, forcing him to withdraw from multiple international windows. During that same period, his form at&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a></strong>&nbsp;has dipped, with uncharacteristic errors creeping into his performances under&nbsp;<strong>Xabi Alonso</strong>. According to the Spanish newspaper&nbsp;<strong><em>Marca</em></strong>, these factors have combined to place his <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">World Cup</a> spot in genuine jeopardy.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251224_WST_611829_huijsen-ronaldo-spain-portugal-1200x675_cb81623b.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="huijsen ronaldo spain portugal" class="wp-image-573102" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Dean Huijsen of Spain reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal</figcaption></figure>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/spains-pre-world-cup-plans-after-finalissima-vs-argentina-reportedly-revealed/"></div>


<h2>The Laporte factor returns</h2>



<p>The biggest complication for Huijsen is not just internal competition—it is the return of a trusted leader. Laporte’s move back to Spanish soccer has completely changed the equation. While his stint in Saudi Arabia led to a temporary drop from Spain’s plans, Laporte remains one of de la Fuente’s most trusted defenders. Alongside Robin Le Normand, he formed the coach’s&nbsp;<strong>first-choice centre-back pairing</strong>&nbsp;during Euro 2024 in Germany. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251224_WST_611829_aymeric-laporte-cristiano-ronaldo-al-nassr-1200x675_88a763fd.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Cristiano Ronaldo and Laporte of Al Nassr celebrates after winning the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Nassr and Al Fateh at Al Awwal Park Stadium on February 17, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia." class="wp-image-590082" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo and Laporte of Al-Nassr</figcaption></figure>



<p>Now reunited on domestic soil, both are widely considered&nbsp;<strong>near-certainties</strong>&nbsp;for the World Cup if fit, and that leaves limited room. Spain is expected to take&nbsp;<strong>four centre-backs</strong>, with at least five strong candidates in contention. With Laporte and Le Normand effectively locked in, Huijsen is fighting for the remaining spots against Pau Cubarsi and Dani Vivian. None of the trio is enjoying flawless seasons, which only heightens the tension.</p>



<p>There are also outsiders pushing hard. Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera has impressed with his versatility—capable of operating both centrally and at right-back—while Aitor Paredes remains on the radar. The margins are slim, and&nbsp;<strong>recent form matters</strong>.</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Al-Nassr teammate Aymeric Laporte could end Real Madrid star’s 2026 FIFA World Cup dream with Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Al-Nassr teammate Aymeric Laporte could end Real Madrid star's 2026 FIFA World Cup dream with Spain - World Soccer Talk

<p><strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/christian-pulisic/">Christian Pulisic</a></strong> may not have been directly involved in the decision, but its ripple effects are now being felt across Europe. While&nbsp;he&nbsp;continues to establish himself as a central figure at the San Siro, events in Madrid have quietly tilted the balance of power in his favor. The departure of&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/luka-modric/"><strong>Luka Modric</strong></a>, taken against the wishes of&nbsp;<strong>Xabi Alonso</strong>, has reshaped two elite squads—and revealed how one club’s calculated gamble has become another’s competitive advantage.</p>



<p>In Madrid, the decision was framed as a necessary step toward renewal. In Milan, it has become a masterstroke. And for Pulisic, it has altered the internal hierarchy of influence in a way few anticipated.</p>



<p>The story begins before <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/Xabi-Alonso">Xabi Alonso</a> had even settled into his new office at the Bernabeu. As revealed by&nbsp;<strong><em>El Mundo</em>,</strong> <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a>’s board had already made up its mind about Modric’s future. Despite the Croatian’s willingness to stay, even offering&nbsp;<strong>multiple salary reductions</strong>&nbsp;to extend his contract by another year, the club hierarchy delivered a firm refusal.</p>



<p>Alonso, who had just taken over from Carlo Ancelotti, privately supported Modric’s continuation. He viewed the veteran midfielder as a stabilizing presence—someone who could guide a young core through transitional moments. But the decision was no longer his to make.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="🤍 Thank you, Luka Modrić! | REAL MADRID LEGEND" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZXvBhPE5rvs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>From Madrid’s perspective, the rationale was clear:&nbsp;<strong>bet on youth, not legacy</strong>. The club believed the midfield was already well stocked with Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Arda Guler. Modric, at nearly 40 at the time, was deemed surplus to the long-term vision.</p>


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<h2>Madrid’s youth bet—and its immediate cost</h2>



<p>On paper, the logic made sense. Los Blancos have built an empire by moving early, trusting young stars before their peak years. Yet soccer is rarely played on spreadsheets alone. As the season unfolded, cracks began to show. The midfield—dynamic but inexperienced—has struggled at key moments to control tempo, dictate rhythm, and manage game states. What Madrid lost was not just a passer, but&nbsp;<strong>leadership, calm, and institutional memory</strong>.</p>



<p>Modric’s absence has been felt most acutely in high-pressure scenarios, where the lack of a senior conductor has left Alonso’s side exposed. While Thibaut Courtois and Dani Carvajal remain dressing-room leaders, the midfield no longer has a natural general.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251224_WST_611737_Xabi-Alonso-2_1812ee89.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Real Madrid&apos;s Jude Bellingham and Xabi Alonso" class="wp-image-607402"></figure><figcaption>Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Real Madrid, gives instructions to Jude Bellingham.</figcaption></figure>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/luka-modrics-next-step-after-milan-and-2026-world-cup-revealed-could-shocking-real-madrid-return-be-on-the-cards/"></div>


<h2>Milan’s gain: Modric reborn in Italy</h2>



<p>If Madrid underestimated Modric’s remaining value,&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ac-milan/">Milan</a></strong>&nbsp;wasted no time capitalizing. Signed on a one-year deal, the Croatian arrived not as a ceremonial figure—but as a starter.</p>



<p>The impact has been immediate and profound. Modric has&nbsp;<strong>started all 15 league matches</strong>, completed&nbsp;<strong>1,068 passes</strong>, and created&nbsp;<strong>26 chances</strong>, more than any other Rossoneri player. At 40, he is dictating matches with the same elegance that once defined Champions League nights in Spain.</p>

Christian Pulisic’s gain, Real Madrid’s pain: The Luka Modric decision that changed everything for Xabi Alonso

Christian Pulisic’s gain, Real Madrid’s pain: The Luka Modric decision that changed everything for Xabi Alonso - World Soccer Talk

<p><strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/">Lamine Yamal</a></strong> has learned, far too early, what it means to live under constant scrutiny at the elite level. At Barcelona, pressure is not seasonal—it is permanent. And now, as the club navigates another demanding campaign, that same environment has once again taken its toll on a senior star. While Yamal continues to thrive amid expectations few teenagers could handle, a more established teammate has been forced to confront the darker side of elite soccer. What initially looked like an unfortunate physical setback for <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/raphinha/">Raphinha</a></strong> has since revealed a far more complex and unsettling backstory.</p>



<p>At&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a></strong>, where excellence is demanded every week, the margin between brilliance and burnout is razor-thin. With Yamal and&nbsp;Raphinha&nbsp;both central to the club’s attacking identity, the contrast between youthful resilience and accumulated mental strain has rarely been clearer.</p>



<p>From a purely sporting perspective, the Blaugrana are relieved. After nearly two months on the sidelines, Raphinha has returned in emphatic fashion. In just five starts since his comeback, the Brazilian has delivered&nbsp;<strong>four goals and one assist</strong>, including a decisive strike against Villarreal.</p>



<p>The numbers underline his importance. At 29, he remains one of the club’s most productive wide attackers, capable of stretching defenses, delivering end product, and setting the tempo in the final third. His absence earlier in the season was deeply felt, especially during a congested run of fixtures that tested squad depth. Yet while his form since November has been outstanding, the story of how he ended up sidelined for so long is far more troubling than a routine muscle injury.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="🔥 ALL of RAPHINHA&apos;s GOALS this 2024/25 SEASON | FC BARCELONA 🔵🔴" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SGlI6Qzft3k?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/barcelona-coach-hansi-flick-slams-fifa-after-raphinhas-the-best-snub-its-a-joke/"></div>


<h2>The injury that refused to heal</h2>



<p>Raphinha’s problems began in September during a league win away at Real Oviedo. What was initially diagnosed as a manageable hamstring issue was expected to keep him out for&nbsp;<strong>just three weeks</strong>. Instead, it marked the beginning of a prolonged and frustrating spell on the sidelines.</p>



<p>As the calendar moved toward October, pressure mounted. Barcelona was approaching El Clasico, and the temptation to accelerate his recovery proved costly. The forward returned before fully healing—and suffered a relapse. That second setback extended his absence by another month.</p>



<p>The winger has since taken responsibility for the decision, admitting that the rushed comeback contributed to the recurrence. But behind the scenes, club officials believe there was more at play than physical misjudgment.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251224_WST_611736_Raphinha_762cc483.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Raphinha" class="wp-image-608275"></figure><figcaption>Raphinha of FC Barcelona</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The hidden reason revealed</h2>



<p>According to&nbsp;<strong><em>Cadena SER</em>,</strong> several Barcelona officials believe Raphinha’s initial injury was linked to&nbsp;<strong>Ballon d’Or stress</strong>—the psychological strain surrounding soccer’s most prestigious individual award. Journalist Sique Rodriguez explained the internal view clearly: <em>“At the club, there are those who attribute one of this season’s injuries to several aspects. Among them the Ballon d’Or and the days after. Because he expected to be among the top three and he finished fifth. There are people within the club who attribute that injury to the stress of the whole week.”</em></p>



<p>For Raphinha, the 2025 ceremony in Paris was not just an honor—it was an emotional blow. After a sensational Champions League campaign in which he finished as&nbsp;<strong>joint-top scorer and leading assist provider</strong>, expectations inside his camp were sky-high. Finishing fifth came as a shock.</p>


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<p>The disappointment did not end there. Weeks later, Raphinha was also&nbsp;<strong>left out of FIFA The Best World XI</strong>, a decision that reignited frustration inside the club. &nbsp;Barcelona coach&nbsp;<strong>Hansi Flick</strong>&nbsp;did not hide his anger, publicly criticizing the omission in a pre-match press conference.</p>



<p>For Flick, the snub was another example of how individual accolades often fail to reflect actual performance on the pitch. For the player, however, the accumulation of setbacks—emotional, mental, and physical—appears to have reached a breaking point earlier in the season.</p>

Lamine Yamal knows what it’s like: Raphinha’s previous injury setback for Barcelona due to bizarre reason

Lamine Yamal knows what it’s like: Raphinha’s previous injury setback for Barcelona due to bizarre reason - World Soccer Talk

<p><strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/">Lamine Yamal</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/kylian-mbappe/">Kylian Mbappe</a></strong> are already inseparable in any serious conversation about soccer’s present and future, but 2025 has delivered a striking new twist to that rivalry. While Mbappe continues to define eras with his explosiveness and end product, a teenager in Barcelona colors has quietly surged ahead in one of the game’s most demanding attacking metrics. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/"><strong>Lionel Messi</strong></a>‘s successor in Catalonia, Yamal, has not only matched the elite—he has surpassed them at just 18, topping Mbappe in a decisive attacking feat that underlines how rapidly the balance of power is shifting.</p>



<p>At club level,&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a></strong>&nbsp;has entrusted Yamal with responsibility far beyond his age, and the reward has been extraordinary. Across the continent, few players have been as consistently daring, unpredictable, and effective with the ball at their feet. The numbers now confirm what defenders already feel: stopping Yamal one-on-one is becoming an impossible task.</p>



<p>The modern winger is expected to do everything—create, score, press, and stretch defenses. Yamal has embraced all of it. In just 13 league appearances, he has produced&nbsp;<strong>six goals and eight assists</strong>, a return that would be impressive for a seasoned star, let alone an 18-year-old navigating another full season at the top level.</p>



<p>What truly separates the Spaniard, however, is not simply output but&nbsp;<em>how</em>&nbsp;he generates it. His game is built on direct confrontation. Every match becomes a series of personal duels, and more often than not, Yamal emerges victorious. His acceleration, balance, and timing allow him to glide past defenders who know exactly what is coming—and still cannot stop it.</p>



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This dribble by Lamine Yamal doesn’t get talked about enough.<br>Bro picked up the ball in his own half and glided past half the Alavés team — pure Messi-esque magic. 🔥<br> <a href="https://t.co/tIy6Zzs5af">pic.twitter.com/tIy6Zzs5af</a> <a href="https://t.co/lFKA1sM0rc">https://t.co/lFKA1sM0rc</a></p>— Santy (@Santy03_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Santy03_/status/1987161273080119408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<p>Those qualities have made him indispensable in the club’s attacking structure. Opponents double-team him, full-backs hesitate, and defensive lines retreat deeper than planned. That alone reshapes matches.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/lamine-yamal-reaches-incredible-milestone-of-125-games-for-barcelona-how-he-stacks-up-against-lionel-messis-stats/"></div>


<h2>The stats that put him ahead of Mbappe</h2>



<p>According to&nbsp;<strong><em>Squawka</em>,</strong> Yamal leads Europe’s top five leagues in successful one-on-one dribbles this season. He has completed&nbsp;<strong>69 successful take-ons in La Liga</strong>, comfortably more than any other player across England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France.</p>



<p>For context, Tottenham attacker Mohammed Kudus sits second with 48, while&nbsp;<strong>Kylian Mbappe</strong>&nbsp;ranks third with 47. Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku follows with 45, and RB Leipzig teenager Yvan Diomande rounds out the top five with 42.</p>



<p>This is not a marginal lead—it is dominance. Yamal is beating defenders at a rate that no one else in Europe can currently match, including Mbappe, who has long been regarded as the benchmark for devastating wide attackers.</p>



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝗟𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗬𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗹 is the king of dribbling 👌<a href="https://t.co/aRMv0KciL4">https://t.co/aRMv0KciL4</a></p>— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/2003789438678417771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/lamine-yamal-closes-in-on-kylian-mbappes-21st-century-goalscoring-record-after-strike-vs-villarreal/"></div>


<h2>Lionel Messi-like numbers</h2>



<p>Midway through the season, the full scope of Yamal’s achievement becomes clear. Over the last 12 months, the Barcelona winger has completed&nbsp;<strong>285 successful dribbles across all competitions</strong>, the highest total recorded in Europe’s top leagues.</p>



<p>That number places him in rare historical territory. The last Barcelona player to post comparable figures was&nbsp;<strong>Lionel Messi</strong>, who recorded 297 successful dribbles in 2015. Even Mbappe, with 144 over the same period, sits far behind. The comparison is not meant to crown a successor—but it does underline the scale of what Yamal is doing. To approach Messi-era numbers at 18 is almost unheard of.</p>

Lionel Messi-like numbers:  Lamine Yamal finishes 2025 ahead of Kylian Mbappe in crucial attacking feat

Lionel Messi-like numbers: Lamine Yamal finishes 2025 ahead of Kylian Mbappe in crucial attacking feat - World Soccer Talk

<p>The rise of&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/">Lamine Yamal</a></strong>&nbsp;has put a renewed spotlight on Barcelona and Spain as the <strong>2026 World Cup</strong> approaches, but not every standout performer at the club appears destined for North America. While Yamal continues to symbolize Spain’s generational shift, a very different and far more controversial decision is taking shape behind the scenes. Despite elite-level performances week after week, one Barcelona star is increasingly expected to miss out on the World Cup squad altogether.</p>



<p>Spain head coach&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/luis-de-la-fuente/">Luis de la Fuente</a></strong>&nbsp;has now addressed the situation publicly, delivering a blunt verdict that makes clear how ruthless international selection can be—even in the face of outstanding form. For some, the decision will feel harsh. For others, it is inevitable. Either way, it has become one of the most debated selection calls on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/">Spain</a>’s road to 2026.</p>



<p>Just before the discussion turns tactical and explicit, the mystery name can be revealed:&nbsp;<strong>Joan Garcia</strong>. This season has been pivotal for several players at&nbsp;<strong>Barcelona</strong>, especially those harboring ambitions of representing&nbsp;<strong>La Roja</strong>&nbsp;at the next <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">World Cup</a>. Few have made a stronger individual case than Garcia, who arrived in the summer after a bold move from city rival Espanyol.</p>



<p>From his very first appearances, the 24-year-old brought a sense of calm and authority between the posts. His reflexes, positioning, and command of the penalty area have significantly improved <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barca</a>’s defensive stability. In La Liga alone, he has already registered six clean sheets in 12 games, often producing decisive saves in high-pressure moments.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251224_WST_611707_joan-garcia_5295784f.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="joan garcia" class="wp-image-611718"></figure><figcaption>Joan Garcia of FC Barcelona warms up </figcaption></figure>



<p>One performance, in particular, stood out. Against Villarreal, Garcia delivered a man-of-the-match display, pulling off a remarkable double save that left teammates and opponents alike in disbelief. It was his sixth league clean sheet in just a dozen appearances—numbers that normally all but guarantee a national team call-up.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/lionel-messi-like-numbers-lamine-yamal-finishes-2025-ahead-of-kylian-mbappe-in-crucial-attacking-feat/"></div>


<h2>What did De la Fuente say?</h2>



<p>Yet international soccer rarely follows a purely meritocratic logic. Speaking to&nbsp;<strong><em>Diario AS</em></strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Luis de la Fuente</strong>&nbsp;made it clear that trust and continuity still outweigh short-term brilliance. <em>“It’s true that we’re betting on these three now and we’re delighted with Unai, David, and Alex,”</em>&nbsp;he explained, referring to&nbsp;<strong>Unai Simon</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>David Raya</strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>Alex Remiro</strong>. <em>“We’ll see what happens between now and March or what happens between now and June, God knows. We have five or six of the best goalkeepers in the world.”</em></p>



<p>Then came the line that effectively defined the situation: <em>“When that time comes, a decision will have to be made that will please some people more and others less. The decision I make is the one with which I will be convinced.”</em> It was a carefully worded response—but one that, read between the lines, suggested Garcia is currently on the outside looking in.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="LUIS DE LA FUENTE rompe sus SILENCIO en plena POLÉMICA por la CONVOCATORIA de JOAN GARCÍA" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p9QQI07wCvY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<h2>Why Spain’s door is almost closed</h2>



<p>Spain’s goalkeeping hierarchy is one of the most stable in Europe. Simon, Raya, and Remiro have formed the backbone of the national side through recent tournaments, delivering consistency rather than spectacle. De la Fuente values that familiarity deeply, particularly in a position where cohesion with the defensive line is paramount.</p>



<p>Unless injury or a dramatic collapse in form intervenes, Spain is expected to stick with those three, as per<strong><em> Cadena SER. </em></strong>That reality places Garcia in an unfortunate position: performing at an elite level, yet blocked by circumstance rather than quality.</p>



<p>Ironically, statistical comparisons suggest Garcia has outperformed all three this season in several key metrics. But international selection is not built solely on numbers—it is built on trust accumulated over years.</p>

Lamine Yamal teammate’s 2026 FIFA World Cup dream in danger despite Barcelona brilliance: Spain boss Luis de la Fuente drops harsh eight-word verdict on final decision

Lamine Yamal teammate’s 2026 FIFA World Cup dream in danger despite Barcelona brilliance: Spain boss Luis de la Fuente drops harsh eight-word verdict on final decision - World Soccer Talk

<p>The soccer world has a way of turning childhood inspirations into full-circle moments. As the road to the 2026 World Cup sharpens,&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/karim-benzema/">Karim Benzema</a></strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Endrick</strong>&nbsp;have suddenly found their stories intertwined once more—this time through a bold winter move that has sent shockwaves from Madrid to France. What truly caught the public’s eye, however, was a short, explosive reaction from Benzema to Endrick’s loan switch, a response that said far more than its length suggested.</p>



<p>For the Brazilian teenager, this is not just another transfer. It is a strategic step shaped by ambition, timing, and a looming global stage. Long before <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/endrick/">Endrick</a> pulled on a white shirt in Madrid, he was a teenager in Brazil studying highlights of Benzema’s early career in France. In a 2023 interview with&nbsp;<strong><em>L’Equipe</em></strong>, the forward described the kind of striker he aspired to become.</p>



<p><em>“I’m a number nine with the soul of a number ten. I’ve loved Benzema since he played for Lyon… his playing style inspires me a lot,”</em>&nbsp;the young star said. Those words now read like a blueprint. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lyon">Lyon</a> was the club where Benzema blended goalscoring with intelligence, movement, and playmaking—traits Endrick has always admired. Two years later, that admiration has turned into imitation, as the Brazilian prepares to walk the same path.</p>



<p>The six-month loan deal sending Endrick from&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a></strong>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<strong>Olympique Lyonnais</strong>&nbsp;is rooted in pragmatism rather than sentiment. At Bernabeu, opportunities have been limited. Under Xabi Alonso, He managed&nbsp;<strong>just three appearances and 99 minutes</strong>&nbsp;this season, a sharp contrast to the expectations that followed his high-profile arrival from Palmeiras. With competition fierce and patience thin at the top level, regular minutes became a priority.</p>



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">It&apos;s tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime … 🎤🎁<br><br>Cette année Noël tombe le 23 décembre 🎅 <a href="https://t.co/Ea40yu2mbB">pic.twitter.com/Ea40yu2mbB</a></p>— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) <a href="https://twitter.com/OL/status/2003503367969230955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<p>For Lyon, the timing is ideal. The club lost key attacking figures in recent windows and has struggled to find consistency in the number nine role. Internally, <em>Foot Mercato</em> reports that staff have been&nbsp;<em>“delighted with the signing of this talented player,”</em>&nbsp;viewing Endrick as the missing piece to energize the attack in Ligue 1 and the Europa League. The agreement includes a<strong>&nbsp;$1.1 million loan fee</strong>, a shared salary arrangement, and&nbsp;<strong>no option to buy</strong>, underlining Madrid’s belief that Endrick remains central to their long-term plans.</p>


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<h2>What did Benzema say?</h2>



<p>When the move became official, reactions poured in across social media. Many current Madrid players expressed mixed emotions, reluctant to see a popular figure leave the dressing room. One former Madrid icon, however, embraced the move wholeheartedly.</p>



<p>Benzema, now starring in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/saudi-pro-league/">Saudi Pro League</a>, left a brief but emphatic comment on Endrick’s announcement post—<strong>“Let’s go”</strong>—accompanied by a fire emoji. Those two words carried weight. Lyon was where Benzema himself debuted professionally, where his identity as a complete forward was forged. For Endrick, receiving that endorsement felt like a symbolic passing of the torch.</p>



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Benzema approves Endrick’s signing 🤩🙌 <a href="https://t.co/qX64O7oY6X">pic.twitter.com/qX64O7oY6X</a></p>— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ligue1_ENG/status/2003549859622637595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 


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<h2>World Cup lens on every decision</h2>



<p>At the heart of this move lies a singular objective:&nbsp;<strong>the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">2026 World Cup</a></strong>. Brazil’s squad will be fiercely competitive, and Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that reputation alone will not secure selection. Match sharpness, form, and continuity will matter.</p>



<p>Endrick understands this reality. By moving to Lyon, he positions himself to play regularly, wear the&nbsp;<strong>iconic No. 9 shirt</strong>, and shoulder responsibility rather than wait patiently on the bench. French regulations mean he will debut after a short registration delay, but expectations are already building.</p>



<p>Lyon sits&nbsp;<strong>fifth in Ligue 1</strong>&nbsp;and leads its Europa League group, offering a platform that balances pressure with opportunity. It is an environment well-suited to a young striker seeking rhythm and confidence.</p>

Saudi Pro League star Karim Benzema goes wild over Endrick’s 2026 FIFA World Cup-driven loan move to Lyon from Real Madrid with two-word reaction

Saudi Pro League star Karim Benzema goes wild over Endrick’s 2026 FIFA World Cup-driven loan move to Lyon from Real Madrid with two-word reaction - World Soccer Talk

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