Declan Rice to Lamine: “For me, you are the best” after England-Spain

Declan Rice sent a particularly glowing message to Lamine after Spain’s match against England at Wembley: “For me, you are the best.” The England midfielder, absent on Saturday through injury, personally thanked the Barcelona player after Spain’s 3-2 UEFA Nations League victory.

Lamine had scored and posed a constant threat during the win. After the match, once both teams had returned to their respective dressing rooms, Anthony Gordon, his Barcelona teammate, came to the Spanish dressing room to speak with him and pass on Rice’s message.

The Arsenal player was waiting for Lamine because his son wanted to take a photo with him. Despite the demands of the match and the attention generated by his performance, the Spanish player went over to Rice to grant the child’s request. The England international wanted to acknowledge the gesture in person before delivering his unequivocal compliment.

The moment also provided one of the standout images of the evening at Wembley after the Spanish national team’s victory.

Lamine had set Spain on course for victory by opening the scoring in the opening minutes, before again proving decisive at one of world football’s most iconic venues. Once the spotlight had moved away from the pitch, he again displayed his warmth and natural manner.