Six times, same result and counting! Lamine Yamal continues to be Kylian Mbappe’s knockout nemesis | Football News
Lamine Yamal’s remarkable record against Kylian Mbappé in knockout matches continued at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semifinal to book their place in the final. The victory extended Yamal’s unbeaten streak against the French superstar Kylian Mbappe across club and international football.Despite Kylian Mbappe being one of the top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history and Lamine Yamal featuring in his first-ever World Cup, the Spanish teenager has consistently come out on top whenever the two have met in a knockout match. While Mbappe boasts the superior individual numbers, Yamal holds a perfect 6-0 record against the French superstar in single-elimination clashes.Here’s a look at every knockout clash between the two stars:
UEFA Euro 2024 semifinal: Spain 2-1 France
The rivalry began on the international stage at UEFA Euro 2024. France struck first through Randal Kolo Muani, but Yamal produced one of the goals of the tournament with a sensational long-range strike to level the scores. Dani Olmo then found the winner before halftime as Spain completed the comeback to reach the final, handing Mbappe his first knockout defeat against the teenage sensation.
2025 Supercopa final: Barcelona 5-2 Real Madrid
Their first El Clásico final saw Mbappe open the scoring for Real Madrid, but Yamal responded with Barcelona’s equaliser in the 22nd minute. The Catalan giants dominated the remainder of the contest to lift the trophy, giving Yamal his second successive knockout victory over Mbappé.
2025 Copa del Rey final: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid
The two met again in another domestic final a few months later. Mbappé found the net once more, but Yamal influenced the game with two assists despite not scoring. Barcelona edged Real Madrid 3-2 to lift the Copa del Rey, extending Yamal’s perfect knockout record.
UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal: Spain 5-4 France
The rivalry returned to international football in a thrilling Nations League semifinal. Yamal scored twice, including a penalty, while Mbappé also converted from the spot. Spain survived a late French comeback to win 5-4 and advance to the final, where they eventually finished runners-up to Portugal. It was another knockout triumph for Yamal over Mbappé.
2026 Supercopa final: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid
Yamal made it five wins from five knockout meetings by inspiring Barcelona to another Spanish Super Cup triumph over Real Madrid in Jeddah. The Catalans prevailed 3-2 in another closely contested final, leaving Mbappé on the losing side once again.
FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal: Spain 2-0 France
The latest chapter came on football’s biggest stage. Spain defeated France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal to reach their first World Cup final since winning the title in 2010. Neither Yamal nor Mbappé found the scoresheet, but Spain’s collective performance proved too strong for France.
