Wayne Rooney names Spanish player he loves for World Cup 2026

Former England striker Wayne Rooney has named Lamine Yamal as the Spanish player he admires most.

Rooney said the Barcelona winger brings a smile to his face whenever he watches him play.

The former Manchester United star spoke to the BBC after seeing Yamal help Spain defeat 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 added.