Six times, same result and counting! Lamine Yamal continues to be Kylian Mbappe’s knockout nemesis

Yamal extends perfect knockout record to 6-0 against Mbappe (Image: X) Lamine Yamal’s remarkable record against Kylian Mbappé in knockout matches continued at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Spain beat France 2-0 in the semi-finals to book their place in the final. The win extended Yamal’s unbeaten run against French superstar Kylian Mbappe across club and international football.Despite Kylian Mbappe being one of the top goalscorers in World Cup history and Lamine Yamal featuring in his first ever World Cup, the Spanish teenager has consistently come out on top whenever the two have met in the knockout stages. While Mbappe boasts better individual numbers, Yamal holds a perfect 6-0 record against the French superstar in single-elimination bouts.Here’s a look at every knockout clash between the two stars:

UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final: Spain 2:1 France

The rivalry began on the international stage at UEFA Euro 2024. France struck first through Randal Kolo Muani, but Yamal scored one of the goals of the tournament with a sensational long-range strike to level the scores. Dani Olmo then found the winner before half-time as Spain completed the comeback to reach the final, handing Mbappe a first knockout defeat against the teenage sensation.

2025 Super Cup Final: Barcelona 5:2 Real Madrid

Their first El Clásico final saw Mbappe open the scoring for Real Madrid, but Yamal responded by equalizing for Barcelona in the 22nd minute. The Catalan giants dominated the remainder of the trophy match, giving Yamal a second consecutive knockout win over Mbappé.

2025 Copa del Rey final: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid

The two met again a few months later in another home final. Mbappé found the net once more, but Yamal influenced the game with two assists despite not scoring. Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 to lift the Copa del Rey, extending Yamal’s perfect knockout record.

2025 UEFA Nations League semi-final: Spain 5-4 France

The rivalry returned to international football in a thrilling Nations League semi-final. Yamal scored twice, including a penalty, with Mbappé also converting from the spot. Spain survived a late French comeback to win 5–4 and advance to the final, where they eventually finished as runners-up to Portugal. It was another knockout triumph for Yamal over Mbappé.

2026 Super Cup Final: Barcelona 3:2 Real Madrid

Yamal made it five wins from five knockout games by inspiring Barcelona to another Spanish Super Cup triumph over Real Madrid in Jeddah. The Catalans won 3-2 in another very close final, leaving Mbappé again on the losing side.

2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final: Spain 2-0 France

The latest chapter came on football’s biggest stage. Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to reach their first World Cup final since winning the title in 2010. Neither Yamal nor Mbappé found the scoresheet, but Spain’s collective performance proved too much for France.