In 2010, Rafael van der Vaart was one of the players in the famous photo of Andrés Iniesta's legendary goal that gave Spain the World Cup against Netherlands in 2010. Now, retired for several seasons, he dared to provoke Lamine Yamal by questioning certain attitudes that have little to do with the sporting aspect… and the Barcelona player had no problem silencing him both on and off the field.

What did Van der Vaart say about Lamine Yamal?

After the match played in Rotterdam between Netherlands and Spain for the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, Van der Vaart said the following: “I see things that start to bother me a little. Pants a bit too low, not trying very hard, a few superficial gestures... It's then that I think: if you're so young, you should be happy for every minute you play with Spain.”

Moreover, despite setting up Spain's first goal a few minutes into the match by stealing the ball from Jorrel Hato, Van der Vaart dared to say that “he simply had him in his pocket.” These comments remind us of those made by Adrien Rabiot during the last Euro Cup before the semifinals between Spain and France... and they ended with a similar outcome.

How Lamine Yamal responded to Van der Vaart

Before Netherlands equalized the match for the third time, Lamine Yamal took advantage of a great pass from Huijsen in extra time to beat Vergbruggen and put Spain ahead. It was then that he remembered the provocations from Rafael van der Vaart and celebrated his goal alongside Nico Williams, slightly lowering his pants and walking with a defiant tone.

A response that he later followed up on his social media by posting a photo of his celebration... with the face of Van der Vaart and the following message: “Pants down, one goal, missed penalty, and into the semifinals,” said Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest player to score a goal in the UEFA Nations League.