World Cup 2026: He makes me smile – Wayne Rooney names Spain player he loves

Former England striker, Wayne Rooney, has identified Lamine Yamal as the Spanish player he loves.

Rooney said the Barcelona winger makes him smile whenever he watches him play on the pitch.

The former Manchester United star spoke to the BBC after watching Yamal help Spain to beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 in the World Cup on Sunday.

“I absolutely love Lamine Yamal; he just makes me smile. He has football IQ,” Rooney said.

“With Yamal in the team, they won the Euros when he was 16-years old, and now he has matured.

“He gives the team the confidence and belief that they can win this World Cup,” he said.