17-Year-Old Barcelona Star Fires Spain Into Nations League Semis With Perfect Instagram Clapback
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal delivered the perfect response to Dutch pundit Rafael van der Vaart’s harsh criticism, scoring a crucial extra-time goal before playfully mocking his detractor after Spain’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the Nations League.
The 17-year-old winger, already one of Europe’s most exciting talents, curled in a sublime strike to help Spain secure a 5-4 shootout win, though he did miss his own spot-kick. But it was his cheeky Instagram post after the match that truly stole the headlines.
“Pants down, one goal, missed penalty, and in the semifinals. Hehehehehe, let’s go Spain!” Yamal wrote, directly referencing Van der Vaart’s earlier jibes. The former Tottenham and Real Madrid midfielder had accused the youngster of being “superficial,” wearing his shorts “a little lower,” and struggling against Dutch left-back Jorrel Hato.
Yamal’s on-field brilliance this season—13 goals and 17 assists for Barcelona—makes the criticism hard to justify. He has already surpassed last season’s numbers and remains pivotal in Barça’s La Liga and Champions League ambitions. Yet Van der Vaart doubled down post-match, insisting Hato “had him in his pocket.”
Spain now face France in a blockbuster Nations League semi-final after a night of high drama that saw 21 goals across four quarter-finals. France staged a comeback against Croatia, Portugal overturned Denmark, and Italy nearly erased a 3-0 deficit against Germany—only to crash out on aggregate.
For Yamal, the victory was sweet vindication. Still just 17, he continues to prove that his talent speaks louder than any critique—and his social media wit might be just as sharp as his finishing.
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