Many keen-eyed fans noticed that Lamine Yamal, the Netherlands’ poster boy, pulled his shorts down during their celebrations after Spain’s victory against them on Sunday night via penalty shootout. The strange reason for this has finally been made public.
Widely considered to be among the best technically proficient football players in the world, Yamal gave La Roja a 3-2 lead in the 103rd minute with a brilliantly struck goal. However, Xavi Simons’ penalty kick six minutes later made the final score 5-5.
As a result, a penalty shootout was imminent, and even though the 17-year-old missed his attempt from 12 yards out, Oranje teammates Noa Lang and Donyell Malen did, securing the Euro 2024 winners’ spot in the Nations League A semifinals against France.
Some saw Yamal walking with Nico Williams, his shorts hanging somewhat lower than normal, as Spain revelled in their two-legged, ten-goal thriller. This was a jab at Rafael van der Vaart, the midfielder-turned-pundit.
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The former Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur engine room operator spoke with the young sensation before kickoff, focussing on issues that had begun to irritate him, such as Yamal’s very low shorts. He told NOS, according to Mail Online:
It appeared that Yamal found it difficult to deal with Hato. I observe the following: I notice things that begin to irritate me. A bit lower shorts, minimal effort, and gestures that are a little shallow. At that point, I believe you should enjoy every minute of playing for Spain since you’re so young.
He mentioned his encounter with Jorrel Hato and emphasised the Dutchman’s dominance. “You have to prove yourself every minute of every game, regardless of your skill level, at that age. Hato just had him in his pocket, though, and that doesn’t change that.
Yamal replied to Van der Vaart on Instagram by sharing a number of images from the match with the caption, “Pants down, a goal, missed penalty AND IN THE SEMIFINALS HEHEHEHE GO SPAIN!” after cutting inside and curling his shot past Bart Verbruggen.
Rafael Van der Vaart had criticized Lamine Yamal's attitude, particularly his way of lowering his shorts.
In response, after his goal, Lamine Yamal celebrated with Nico Williams… by both pulling down their shorts. 😭 pic.twitter.com/XJdaJlroEU
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) March 24, 2025
Actually, it is impossible to overlook Yamal’s ascent to superstardom, and Spain boss Luis da le Fuente has backed the Barcelona star to become a “historic player” with the support and knowledge of La Roja. According to TNT Sports:
Based on his qualities, courage, and self-confidence, Lamine Yamal has the potential to be a different player and is in a position to become an incredible one. Being able to have him here is a blessing. We will assist him in realising his full potential as a football player.
“We’ll try our best to make sure he doesn’t have any difficulties. The 63-year-old strategist went on, “I have no doubt that we will be able to appreciate an incredible player.” “I am confident that we will see a historic player if he stays injury-free.”
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