Zlatan Ibrahimović (foto: Getty Images)
Zlatan Ibrahimović has singled out Lamine Yamal as the player he most wants to watch at the 2026 World Cup, praising the teenager's extraordinary talent.
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Zlatan Ibrahimović has never been afraid to praise exceptional talent, and ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Swedish icon has made it clear which player he is most excited to watch.
His answer is simple: Lamine Yamal.
The former Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan striker believes the teenage sensation possesses a rare quality that separates him from almost every other player in world football.
"Lamine Yamal is a special player," Ibrahimović told Fox Sports.
"He's a player you pay those very expensive tickets for, a player you come to the stadium for, and thanks to whom you can simply enjoy the experience."
' Even more special in person'
Yamal's rise has been one of football's biggest stories over the last two years.
Already a European champion with Spain and a key figure for Barcelona, the winger arrives at the World Cup carrying enormous expectations despite being only 18 years old.
According to Ibrahimović, television does not fully capture how talented the youngster really is.
"On TV, he looks special, and he looks good. But up close, he's even more special."
"At 18, it's incredible. Every time he touches the ball, you can see he's different."
"His ball control, dribbling, goal-scoring ability... so all my hopes for a great game are on him."
A season that changed everything
Yamal heads into the World Cup after another remarkable campaign with Barcelona.
The teenager scored 24 goals and contributed 18 assists in 45 appearances while helping the Catalan giants win La Liga.
His performances strengthened the belief that he could become the next global superstar of the sport.
There were concerns over his fitness after a recent injury setback, but Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed the winger is available and expected to feature against Cape Verde in Spain's opening World Cup match.
Spain's biggest hope
Spain is relying heavily on Yamal to lead their challenge for a second World Cup title.
The teenager already has 25 international appearances, six goals, and 12 assists for La Roja.
He was also one of the stars of Spain's victorious Euro 2024 campaign, producing unforgettable performances including his stunning semi-final goal against France.
After disappointing exits in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, Spain believe Yamal could be the player capable of inspiring a new golden era.
Judging by Ibrahimović's comments, he is not the only one expecting something special.