The Spanish National Team delivered a flawless performance against Türkiye, with the 6-0 score reflecting total superiority, both in play and on the scoreboard. It was a comfortable match, dominated from start to finish, with goals shared among several key players. The atmosphere in the stadium was festive and the fans enjoyed every play.
However, amid the flurry of goals, there was a detail that didn't go unnoticed by everyone: Lamine Yamal, one of the most high-profile players at the moment, didn't manage to score.
His contribution to the game was clear, with assists and constant disruption, but his name didn't appear on the list of scorers. For most, this didn't tarnish his performance. For others, it was a fact that deserved reflection.
The comment that sparked controversy
One of those who did want to point it out was Juanma Rodríguez. The journalist, known for his direct style and his fondness for provocative comparisons, used his social media to post a message that went viral:
"Imagine Brazil wins 6-0 and Vinícius DOESN'T SCORE EVEN ONE."
It wasn't just an observation about the match. It was, above all, an implicit criticism of the unequal treatment that, according to him, some footballers receive.
The phrase aimed to make the reader consider whether, instead of Lamine, it had been Vinícius, the reaction would have been the same. For Juanma, it's clear that it wouldn't, Vinícius would have received criticism instead of praise.
The double standard in soccer
Juanma's message put an old debate on the table: Are all footballers judged by the same standard? According to him, they're not. There are players who are valued for their overall play, even if they don't appear in the scoring statistics. Others, on the other hand, are required to score in every match to avoid criticism.
Lamine Yamal, young, talented, and Spanish, seems to be part of the first group. His narrative is surrounded by sympathy, which protects him from negative evaluations.
Vinícius, on the other hand, is usually in the second group. For many, any of his performances without goals becomes a topic of debate, even if the team wins convincingly. This contrast, according to Rodríguez, isn't a coincidence, but rather the reflection of a bias entrenched in soccer analysis.
A landslide victory with a backstory
The 6-0 win over Türkiye will continue to be remembered as a brilliant victory. Spain gained confidence and showed a very high level of play. However, Juanma Rodríguez's words managed to open a parallel debate, capable of slipping in even on a night of celebration.
Beyond the result, his comment forces reflection on how narratives are built and how factors such as nationality or sympathy toward a player influence them. Soccer isn't only played on the field; it's also contested in the arena of public opinion. There, as Juanma reminded, not everyone competes under the same rules.