Declan Rice reveals Lamine Yamal’s gesture for his young son

Declan Rice has praised Lamine Yamal for his kindness towards his young son, revealing that the child questioned why his dad would be playing against the Spain star.

Speaking before England’s Nations League meeting with Spain in Madrid, Rice explained how much he appreciated Yamal taking time for his family after September’s match at Wembley.

Now the Arsenal midfielder is preparing to face a player who has already won over someone in his own household.

Declan Rice praises Lamine Yamal’s kindness

Rice’s son met Yamal after Spain’s 3-2 victory over England in September, posing for a photograph with the Barcelona winger.

Recalling the encounter ahead of the return fixture, Rice said his son was such an admirer that he kept asking why his father would be playing against Yamal.

“But Lamine was really lovely to him, and as a father, I really appreciated that gesture,” Rice said, in comments shared by Fabrizio Romano.

Rice also spoke warmly about Yamal’s character. He suggested that the winger’s experience of looking after his younger brother helped explain how comfortable he was with his son, and said the gesture had left an impression on him.

The meeting came after a match Rice missed. England’s official preview confirms the midfielder was absent for September’s defeat, but he is back with the squad for the trip to Madrid.

Praise for Yamal, backing for Harry Kane

Rice’s admiration for Yamal also extended to his football. He backed the Spain forward to win multiple Ballon d’Or awards during his career, while maintaining that England captain Harry Kane deserved this year’s prize.

Kane’s success was covered in our report on the England captain winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Rice’s comments offered support for his captain without dismissing Yamal’s quality. Tonight, though, England’s task will be to limit the influence of a player the midfielder’s son would rather see him alongside than against.

When do Spain play England?

England face Spain at the Metropolitano in Madrid on Sunday 15 November, with kick-off at 7.45pm GMT.

Spain won the reverse fixture 3-2 at Wembley in September. Both teams have qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals, with first place in the group still at stake.

Our Spain vs England TV guide has the broadcast details. Follow the build-up and reaction through our football news hub.