Lamine Yamal’s Tribute to Thierry Henry After Spain’s Victory Over Croatia
Lamine Yamal starred against Croatia with two goals and an assist, but his celebration became one of the night’s biggest moments. The Spaniard revealed he imitated Thierry Henry because he is one of his biggest footballing references.
Lamine Yamal was one of the standout players in Spain’s 4-1 win over Croatia, scoring two goals and providing an assist. The Barcelona forward opened the scoring in the 2nd minute and struck again in the 63rd, but his performance also produced one of the night’s most memorable moments: a celebration inspired by Thierry Henry.
After his second goal, Yamal made his way toward the corner flag and recreated one of the former French striker’s most recognizable celebrations. After the match, he explained that the gesture was a deliberate tribute to one of his biggest footballing influences.
Lamine Yamal’s Role Model
“I really like Henry. He’s a role model. He has that iconic celebration, and I wanted to do it,” the footballer told DAZN. The Spanish forward made no secret of his admiration for Thierry Henry, whose famous celebration was clearly on his mind.
Yamal had already opened the match with an early goal before assisting Marc Pubill, who scored Spain’s second. Then, with his second goal of the night, the Barça star returned to the scoresheet to make it 3-1.
That celebration came after a sequence in which Yamal was directly involved in Spain’s first three goals. His attacking influence was once again evident, while the tribute to Henry became one of the defining images of the night.
Two Goals and an Assist for Spain
Yamal played a decisive role in the result. His first goal arrived just two minutes into the match, while his second came in the 63rd minute with a near-post finish. In between, he also provided the assist for Marc Pubill.
Nico Williams completed Spain’s rout in the final minutes, but Yamal’s performance once again put him at the center of attention. His ability to create danger and deliver in key moments was one of Spain’s main weapons against Croatia.
Lamine Yamal has recorded 18 goal contributions in his first 10 matches for Barcelona and Spain. The figure highlights the impact he has had for both club and country during this stage of the campaign.
The Ballon d’Or Also Came Up After the Match
Yamal’s performance once again brought his name into the conversation surrounding the 2026 Ballon d’Or. After the match, he was even asked whether he had a special celebration prepared in case he wins the award.
His response came with a touch of humor: “No way, because I already have the beard one…” The comment referred to a previous promise he made to grow a beard if he won the World Cup in New York.
Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana
Spain
