Yamal matches Okocha’s 1998 dribbles record

Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal has equaled a remarkable World Cup dribbling record previously held by Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha. Statistics from the ongoing 2026 tournament show Yamal averaging 12 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, a feat not seen since Okocha achieved the same rate during Nigeria's campaign at the 1998 France World Cup.

This impressive statistic underscores the Barcelona winger's significant impact on Spain's journey through the tournament. ESPN reports that Yamal's average is the highest by any player who has featured for more than 200 minutes in a single World Cup since Okocha's 1998 performance.

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Yamal’s average is the highest by any player to feature for more than 200 minutes at a single World Cup since Okocha managed the same rate of twelve dribbles per ninety minutes 28 years ago, underlining the teenager’s growing influence on Spain’s run through the tournament.

Okocha, widely celebrated in Nigerian football history, showcased his dribbling prowess in the 1998 finals. He played in all three group matches, including Nigeria's memorable 3-2 victory over Spain. In that specific match, Okocha completed nine dribbles, created two chances, and delivered three crosses, earning him a retrospective Player of The Match award presented 28 years later.

Yamal, who turned 19 during the tournament's build-up, has been a standout performer. He holds a perfect win rate in major tournaments when starting for Spain, and he became one of the first teenagers to start a World Cup knockout match alongside teammate Pau Cubarsi in 68 years, a feat last achieved by Brazil's Pele and Antonio Altafini in 1958.

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Okocha completed nine dribbles, created two chances and delivered three crosses in an all-action display that earned him a retrospective Player of The Match award, presented earlier this year, 28 years after the game was played.