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A Vikings Star Player May Need to Leapfrog RT1 Brian O’Neill in the Extension Line

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Vikings RB Brian O'Neill in a game against the Packers in 2025
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images.

After quarterback, edge rusher is the NFL’s most important position (see some of Jeff Diamond’s recent thoughts on VT). Does that mean Andrew Van Ginkel needs to be next to earn an extension? He’s a Vikings star player even if he’s often overlooked.

The 2024 second-team All Pro is moving into his final season. He’ll demand $23 million, an amount that puts him in a good spot within the broader edge rusher market but nowhere near the top. Seeing a new deal arrive should be a priority for the Vikings’ front office. Quite possibly, the undone Van Ginkel extension needs to get in ahead of the Brian O’Neill deal, somebody who has more commonly been in the headlines.

A Vikings Star Player — Andrew Van Ginkel — Needs an Extension

Part of the problem for Van Ginkel in 2025 was health, or lack thereof. The edge rusher got into just a dozen games, starting eleven.

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He was nevertheless able to climb up to 7 sacks. That’s a step behind the 11.5 sacks he tossed up in 2024. What’s missing from the basic analysis is that Van Ginkel not only played in less games but had lesser pass rushing snaps. Brian Flores tasked him with pass rushing on just 173 plays, per PFF. He had 414 pass rushing snaps the year before.

Andrew Van Ginkel studies backfield during Vikings game against Titans.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) surveyed the Tennessee backfield Nov 17, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, during second-half action against the Titans at Nissan Stadium. Van Ginkel tracked the play from his position as Minnesota’s defense adjusted to Tennessee’s offensive looks in the AFC–NFC matchup, highlighting his awareness and role within the Vikings’ defensive rotation. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.

He was, in other words, a terror off the edge. His issue is that he got less opportunity, making the final tally appear more modest.

Worse yet (for the Vikings, at least) is that Minnesota doesn’t have a great replacement. Dallas Turner is already being burdened with jumping into the Jonathan Greenard opening. Nobody else on the roster boasts the sort of promise to suggest that an EDGE1 job as early as 2027 makes sense. Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and/or others will have something to say about the matter, but we’re merely considering the most likely path ahead.

So, an extension would appear darn near necessary.

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Over the Cap clarifies that top edge rushers — think guys like Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, Danielle Hunter, and some others — can clear $40 million per year on their deals. Van Ginkel won’t see his name among those guys.

Goodness, Will Anderson Jr. is now at the top of the market with a contract averaging a cool $50 million per season. Doubling the Van Ginkel $23 million would mean sitting at $46 million, still short of the Anderson contract.

In all likelihood, Andrew Van Ginkel could see his annual average get to somewhere within the $25 to $30 million range. Greenard climbed up to that $30 million benchmark in his new Philadelphia deal but that’s within the context of being younger and having a better reputation for tracking down quarterbacks. The $30 million average should be considered the high-end of any potential Van Ginkel extension.

Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel celebrating a defensive play against the Cowboys
Minnesota Vikings linebackers Jonathan Greenard (58) and Andrew Van Ginkel (43) celebrate following a defensive play during first-half action against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Dec. 14, 2025, reacting with energy as the unit builds momentum. Both defenders contribute to Minnesota’s aggressive front-seven performance. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.

Taking a guess would mean doing precisely that: guessing. Nolan Teasley is a mystery since he’s still so new.

What’s not a mystery is the abilities that Andrew Van Ginkel can offer. He’s a unique player in a league that boasts a pile of unique players. Nobody on Minnesota’s roster can do what the EDGE1 is capable of doing. As a result, the Vikings star player may end up being the priority to extend.

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The Vikings could put more than $11 million into the 2026 budget with an extension.


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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 June 22 schedule, live match timings (IST), streaming | FIFA World Cup 2026

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As the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage enters its decisive phase, June 22 promises another day packed with high-stakes action across North America. Former champions Argentina will look to tighten their grip on qualification spots, while Belgium, Egypt, Iraq and New Zealand aim to keep their knockout-round hopes alive.  

 


With the expanded 48-team format leaving little margin for error, every point could prove crucial in the race for the Round of 32. 

 

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Belgium vs Iran

 


Belgium head into their Group G clash with Iran knowing that a victory could secure their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds. Despite being held by Egypt in their opening match, the Red Devils remain one of the strongest sides in the group and will be expected to produce a more clinical display. 

 
 

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Led by the experienced midfield trio of Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana, Belgium possess the quality to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Iran are likely to rely on quick counterattacks, but Belgium’s superior depth and strong recent record, unbeaten in their last 14 international matches, make them favourites to collect all three points in Los Angeles.

 


Uruguay vs Cape Verde

 

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Uruguay and Cape Verde meet in a crucial Group H encounter with both sides aiming to strengthen their hopes of reaching the Round of 32. Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia in their opener and will be looking for a more convincing attacking display after struggling to create chances. 

 

Despite recent scoring issues, the two-time world champions remain favourites heading into the contest. Cape Verde, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after producing one of the biggest shocks of the tournament by holding Spain to a goalless draw. Inspired by goalkeeper Vozinha’s heroics, the tournament debutants will hope another disciplined defensive performance can help them move closer to a historic qualification. 

FIFA World Cup 2026 – June 22 Matches

Match

Venue

Time (IST)

Belgium vs Iran

Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, USA

00:30:00

Uruguay vs Cape Verde

Miami Stadium, Miami, USA

03:30:00

New Zealand vs Egypt

BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

06:30:00

Argentina vs Austria

Dallas Stadium, Arlington

22:30:00

 

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New Zealand vs Egypt

 


New Zealand and Egypt head into their Group G clash in Vancouver searching for a first victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after both settled for draws in their opening matches. The All Whites impressed in a 2-2 draw against Iran, with Elijah Just scoring twice, but were unable to hold onto their lead and had to settle for a point. 

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Egypt experienced similar frustration against Belgium, taking the lead through Emam Ashour after a Mohamed Salah assist before eventually being held to a draw. Both sides showed attacking promise in their openers and will view this encounter as a crucial opportunity to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

 


Argentina vs Austria

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Argentina head into their second Group J match full of confidence after a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria, inspired by a stunning Lionel Messi hat-trick that reinforced their status as one of the favourites to retain the FIFA World Cup. Another win would secure a place in the Round of 32, and Lionel Scaloni is expected to stick with the side that impressed in the opener, including the centre-back pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero. Julian Alvarez could again start on the bench. 

 


Austria also began with a win, beating Jordan 3-1, and veteran striker Marko Arnautovic is pushing for a start after making a decisive impact off the bench in the opening match.

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FIFA World Cup 2026: June 22 matches live streaming and telecast detail

 


Which two teams will feature in the first game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 22?

 

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Belgium will take on Iran in the first match of the day from 12:30 am IST.

 


Which two teams will feature in the third game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 22?

 

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Uruguay vs Cape Verde and Senegal will square off in the 2nd game of the day at 3:30 am IST.

 


Which two teams will feature in the fourth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 22?

 

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New Zealand vs Egypt will face each other in the third match of the day in Group J at 6:30 am IST. 


Which two teams will feature in the fourth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 22?

 


Argentina and Austria will kick-start the June 22 action of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at 10:30 pm IST.

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Where to watch the live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 June 22 matches in India?

 


The broadcast of the June 22 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels for fans in India.

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Where to watch the live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 June 22 matches in India?

 


The live streaming of the June 22 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Zee5 app and website for viewers in India.

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US Open 2026: Wyndham Clark stumbles to second title at Shinnecock Hills

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At times on Sunday at Shinnecock Hills it felt like becoming a case of if, and not when, Wyndham Clark would collect a second US Open title and the moment he has craved since smashing up a locker at Oakmont a year ago.

Having led at the end of each of the previous three days, the American, who had built a six-shot lead, began his fourth round as the overwhelming favourite.

However, by the time he reached the end of the seventh hole, the 2023 champion was wobbling. His massive advantage had evaporated to a single stroke with Sam Burns in hot pursuit.

Crucially though, nobody was able to draw level with Clark. And while there were several more plot twists, it was only when he holed a stunning 25-foot birdie putt on the 16th that it felt like he would cross the finishing line as the first wire-to-wire winner of the tournament since Martin Kaymer in 2014.

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Even then there was drama. A bogey on the 17th left him needing to par the last, which he did with a superb 53-foot birdie putt that finished inches from the hole.

This victory will not fully atone for his infamous meltdown at last year’s championship that led to him receiving a ban from the Pennsylvania club until he underwent anger management therapy and paid for the repairs to the ancient lockers he damaged.

And there were occasions on Sunday, when it appeared like his subsequent acts of contrition had not cut through to the galleries judging by their reactions to him.

With many willing on his playing partner, world number one Scottie Scheffler, to complete a career Grand Slam, a huge number of fans celebrated Clark’s bogey on the seventh and others were reportedly ejected from the course because of their hostility.

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It was far from the scenes Europe’s players were faced with at Bethpage Black at September’s Ryder Cup but Clark blocked out the noise to complete the victory.

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Thomas Muller intervenes in Man United transfer push as Bayern legend instructs £43m star

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Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Switzerland star Johan Manzambi who is currently starring for his country at the World Cup

Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller has explained why his former club should swoop in and sign Johan Manzambi amid rumours of potential interest from Manchester United. The Reds have been credited with an interest in signing the Switzerland international ahead of the summer transfer.

United are yet to strengthen their squad ahead of next season but have already reached an agreement to complete their first signing of the window.

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Atalanta star Ederson is expected to become a United player this summer after the club agreed a £35million deal with the Serie A outfit for the Brazilian, which also includes a further £3.8million in add-ons.

It remains to be seen who else United will look to target this summer, with Freiburg star Manzambi being mentioned as a potential target over the last few months.

Manzambi is currently starring for Switzerland at this summer’s World Cup, which is being held in North America, and put in an impressive performance in the country’s 4-1 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina earlier this week.

The 20-year-old midfielder – who is reported to be valued at around £43million, scored two goals in the game and has since been praised by Muller, who has urged his former club, Bayern, to make a move this summer.

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“He’s a good player overall. We’ve had him on our list for a while now,” Muller stated on MagentaTV.

“For me, he’s someone, and now we can make a headline, that FC Bayern should also consider.

“You can sense his flexibility. You can also sense his carefree attitude. At the same time, you can already see a certain maturity in his actions, in his decision-making, his work ethic.

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“He’s now in Freiburg in a team where they really work hard. I think his development is very, very good. He’s a player who can play as No.6 he can play as No.8, he can play as No.10. He wears No.9 on his back, so maybe we could also market him as a striker!”

Manzambi admitted he was going to find it tough to come back down to earth after his World Cup goals for Switzerland.

“Honestly, it’s incredible, it’s the first brace of my career, and at the World Cup on top of that,” Manzambi said via FIFA’s website.

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“Scoring two goals in front of the fans and my family, that’s very, very nice. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight.”

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Chains Of Love’s next challenge: southern stakes races in 2026

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Horse race in full sprint with jockey on brown horse, wearing yellow-and-black checkered silks, at a Royal Randwick track show

A promising filly, Chains Of Love, is set to compete in black-type events again after a commanding win in the Highway Handicap at Randwick, where she proved too strong for a field of more seasoned gallopers.

This exceptionally bred daughter of I Am Invincible, out of the 2015 Group 1 Thousand Guineas winner Stay With Me, is being prepared for a trip to Victoria. Her next likely start is the Listed Creswick Sprint Series Final (1200m) at Flemington next month, followed by a brief rest before targeting The Kosciuszko (1200m).

“There is a stakes race for three-year-olds in Melbourne in two weeks down the straight, so that could be a possibility,” stated the filly’s trainer, Paul Messara.

“Then we’ll probably give her a little let-up and go for the ‘Kosi’.”

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Messara elaborated on his plans, saying, “I thought she was a Kosciuszko type.”

The Highway Handicap (1200m) at Randwick marked only the fifth start for Chains Of Love. In her previous race, she finished midfield in the Listed Queensland Day Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm.

Messara noted that Chains Of Love is still developing but performed admirably under the circumstances, especially given a wide draw at Randwick. He also commended the ride from jockey Aaron Bullock.

“He put her in a position to win the race, and she was too good late,” Messara commented.

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“She’s still learning her craft, but she’s progressive,” he added.

Messara also provided an update on the juvenile Cormier, who is currently spelling after finishing second to Tron Bolt in the J J Atkins Stakes (1600m) in Brisbane. The colt is being readied for an ambitious spring campaign.

“He’s great. He’s having a little break, and he will be back for a Golden Rose ‘prep’,” the trainer confirmed.

With the Creswick Sprint Series Final approaching, consider checking out the available racing odds on top Australian betting sites.

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Serena Williams to make stunning Wimbledon singles return aged 44 | Other Sports News

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It’s been talked about ever since Serena Williams announced nearly three weeks ago that she was returning to professional tennis after almost four years away from the sport.


Still, seeing the single-sentence announcement from The All England Club that the 23-time Grand Slam champion will play singles at Wimbledon was stunning nonetheless.


“Serena Williams (USA) receives the final ladies’ singles wild card,” read the key line in Sunday’s announcement, which was issued eight days before the grass-court Grand Slam begins.


At 44, Williams will actually play both singles and doubles at Wimbledon after already accepting a wild card for the doubles competition with older sister Venus.

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“This is not a drill,” Wimbledon said on its social media accounts Sunday.


Commented the WTA Tour, “Name a more iconic returnwe’ll wait.” 
Wimbledon held open the eighth and final women’s singles wild card spot until Williams made up her mind. As recently as earlier this week after losing a doubles match in Berlin, she appeared to be waffling over the decision.


“Oh my gosh, there are some left?” she replied when she was told there was still a wild card spot open. 

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Wild cards are special invitations handed out by tournament organisers, which allow former champions and others access to the main draw without the necessary entry qualifications. But then she mused about her readiness for it.


“Do you think I’m ready for singles?” she asked a reporter and then turned to doubles partner Karolina Muchova to ask what she thought.


“I think I would be interested in it,” the Czech player responded.


“That’s the question of the hour, right?” Williams said. “I don’t know. I don’t know. I wonder why there’s I don’t know.” 
Well, now that Williams has made up her mind, the big remaining question is how she can physically handle singles play after so long.

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Serena’s most-recent singles match was a loss to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the 2022 US Open. At the time, she said she didn’t want to use the word “retiring” and instead declared that she was “evolving” away from tennis.


Her second daughter was born in 2023.


“Just finished a mean game of duck duck goose,” Williams said on X after the wild card announcement.


Of Williams’ 23 Grand Slam titles in singles, seven have come at Wimbledon: in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016. She’s also won 14 Grand Slams in doubles, all with Venus, and six of them at Wimbledon.

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Serena also swept the singles and doubles (with Venus) titles at the 2012 London Olympics, when the tennis competition was held on the hallowed grass of the All England Club.


At her last Wimbledon appearance in 2022, Serena was beaten in the opening round by 115th-ranked Harmony Tan in her first match since having to stop less than a set into her opening contest at the All England Club because of an injury the year before.


Serena won a doubles match with partner Victoria Mboko at Queen’s Club last week but the pair had to withdraw after Mboko injured her knee in a singles match.


In another doubles match at the Berlin Open on Tuesday, Serena and Muchova were beaten by Giuliana Olmos and Erin Routliffe.

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As of Sunday, Serena had not entered the singles draws of any grass-court tuneup tournaments before Wimbledon.


She will learn who her first-round opponent is on Friday when the singles draws for Wimbledon are held.


While she’s No. 593 in the doubles rankings courtesy of her victory last week, Serena has no singles ranking after being away for so long.


Iga Swiatek is the defending Wimbledon champion, while Aryna Sabalenka is ranked No. 1.

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Because Serena has no ranking, she could potentially face Swiatek, Sabalenka or any other top-ranked player in the opening rounds.

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Iran’s Veteran Squad Makes World Cup History in Draw Against Belgium

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Iran made World Cup history on Saturday by naming the oldest starting line-up ever seen at the tournament, but the experienced side still had enough quality to earn a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Belgium in California.

The Iranian team started the match with an average age of more than 32 years, setting a new World Cup record. Despite their age, they matched Belgium throughout the contest and came close to securing all three points.

Iran thought they had taken the lead in the first half through striker Mehdi Taremi. Captain Ehsan Hajisafi cleverly rolled a free-kick around the Belgian wall for Taremi, who turned and fired past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

  • Lamine Yamal and young stars that made headlines in 2024Lamine Yamal and young stars that made headlines in 2024

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However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside.

While Iran’s squad was the oldest in World Cup history, it was Belgium who appeared short of energy at times. The 2018 World Cup semi-finalists dominated possession, enjoying 81 per cent of the ball in the opening half, but created very few clear chances.

Kevin De Bruyne saw an effort blocked, while Maxim De Cuyper forced a save from Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, but Belgium struggled to break down the organised Iranian defence.

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Iran continued to threaten after the break. Taremi tested Courtois with a powerful effort before Belgium responded through De Cuyper, whose close-range shot was saved by Beiranvand.

Belgium’s task became more difficult in the 65th minute when defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off. The defender panicked after a poor backpass and brought down Taremi as the Iranian forward raced towards goal.

With a numerical advantage, Iran pushed for a winner, but Courtois produced another important save to deny Saeid Ezatolahi’s long-range strike.

Belgium also had late opportunities, with De Cuyper going close again, but neither side could find a breakthrough.

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The draw leaves both teams with plenty to play for heading into their final group matches, while Iran’s veteran squad continued to prove that experience can still be a valuable weapon on football’s biggest stage.

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Former Spurs manager Thomas Frank explains what Lamine Yamal needs to do more to reach Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s levels

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Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has some advice for Lamine Yamal, the Spain prodigy who just scored at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 18-year-old was on target in their Group H clash with Saudi Arabia as the reigning European champions cruised to a massive 4-0 victory in Atlanta.

Racing into the box, Yamal latched onto a cross from Mikel Oyarzabal to make a sliding finish near the post to put Spain 1-0 up and score his first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Given his prodigious talents, the Spanish dynamite is often billed as a future legend who could match the records of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for club and country.

But ex-manager Frank had some advice for him when speaking about Lamine Yamal’s performance tonight on the BBC:

“These tap-in goals of Lamine Yamal, he needs to score them MUCH more if he wants to reach the highest level like Ronaldo and Messi.”

The former Spurs manager is implying that Yamal needs to score a high volume of goals to enter the same bracket as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom have netted over 900 times throughout their illustrious careers.

Their blistering exploits have seen them play an instrumental role for all their sides, guiding them to numerous trophies, while also picking up individual accolades such as the prestigious Ballon d’Or along the way.

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Lamine Yamal, who is just three weeks away from turning 19, has accomplished a lot in his nascent career already. He’s won three LaLiga titles with Barcelona in addition to three more domestic cups (one Copa del Rey and two Spanish Supercups) while helping Spain win a fourth Euro Cup title in 2024.

He was awarded the LaLiga Player of the Season honor for the 2025-26 season while also finishing as the runner-up to Ousmane Dembele in last year’s Ballon d’Or rankings.

Since breaking onto the scene in 2023, Lamine Yamal has scored 49 goals and assisted 52 times for the Catalans, while netting seven times and making 12 assists for Spain’s national team too.


Lamine Yamal opens his World Cup account as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo close out theirs

With a goal today, Lamine Yamal officially opened his goalscoring account at the FIFA World Cup – a first of potentially many to come in the years ahead.

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But as he looks to make his mark on the biggest stage of them all, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo play their last World Cups with their respective national teams.

It marks the end of an era for two of football’s modern-day greats, while Lamine Yamal’s rise simultaneously weaves a new story, one that could emulate the outgoing legends someday.