Former Barcelona footballer Xavi praised Spain's 19-year-old winger Lamine Yamal ahead of the France-Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. "We're looking at a world-class star who could be the best player of his generation...He's already...among the top five of his generation...For me, he's different," Xavi said. He added, "The next 15 to 20 years belong to Lamine, if he wants."