Spain picked up a first win of the 2026 World Cup against Saudi Arabia on Sunday, with goals from Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal making headlines for the reigning European champions. But after the game much of the praise went to Dani Olmo, who once again proved that he is the man for the big occasion.

Making his 51st senior international appearance, Olmo once again proved decisive for Spain at a major tournament, just as he did for the Euro 2024 triumph. After missing out on the opening game against Cabo Verde, Olmo may well have established his place in the team after the Saudi Arabia victory.

Try our World Cup 2026 Calculator to track you team’s route through the tournament.

As a spot in the knockout rounds beckons, Olmo spoke to AS about his career with the national team, connections with teammates, and his dreams of bringing the ‘second star’ to his nation...

At Euro 2024 you came into the lineup from the quarter-finals and helped Spain to the trophy. This year you started on the bench again and are now in the team, could something similar happen?

It’s true that there’s been a change that people can see between the first and second matches, but it’s not just about changes. In the opener, I didn’t get to play. In this one I did, and I wanted to show that I could help the team on the field.

I’m used to always having to prove myself before ending up playing, but that’s how my life and career have been. I have no problem with it. Hopefully it ends the same way as the European Championships did, coming into the team and winning it. We’re all ready to step in when our opportunity comes, me included.

Now 28, how different are you from the 16-year-old who left Barcelona and cried on his first night away?

I don’t know whether I cried or not (laughs), but it was tough, obviously. At 16, leaving for another country and a new club. I’ve gained experience with age but I think I’m still the same kid with the same dreams, the same ambition, the same desire to play, and the same hunger to win trophies. Now I’m fortunate to be at a winning club that competes for everything, and in a national team that’s the same way. So I’m still the same person. Maybe just a little better, I’d say (laughs), and with more experience.

You left Barça, went to Zagreb, then Leipzig, before returning to Barcelona. Is this now the peak of your career?

I wouldn’t say I’m at the peak because there’s always room to improve. It hasn’t been easy. The idea - the dream I had when I left Barça at 16 - was to come back someday. In the end, that dream became reality through a lot of hard work and effort. It definitely wasn’t easy.

But now that I’m there it’s not that the circle has closed, more that a new one begins for me. Winning titles in this jersey, with Barça, with the national team… We have a winning team; that comes from difficult experiences that helped us improve, helped us win a Nations League and a European Championship. We’re ready for anything.

Everyone highlights your tactical understanding and how you read the game. What do you see from the sidelines and which coaches have helped you?

When I’m off the field, I try to read the spaces that are open, especially those areas where I could position myself or attack when we have the ball. I also look at how the team drops back and recovers shape. A bit of everything. It’s something I’ve worked on a lot with my father and my brother since I was young.

One of the coaches who influenced me most tactically was Luis Enrique. With him, I played wider on the wing but had the freedom to move inside as part of the triangle we formed with Pedri and Jordi Alba. Now, under Luis de la Fuente, I play more centrally and he gives me the freedom I need, which helps me get the most out of my game.

Against Saudi Arabia was the first time you and Pedri have started together for Spain. What was that experience like?

Playing with Pedri is very easy. It’s true that in recent years we haven’t had much time together with the national team, but the other day showed that we’re perfectly compatible. We already proved at Barça that we understand each other really well and can play together very effectively.

People enjoyed the images after Barça won titles - you and teammates riding bikes through the city - do you like to be seen as a normal, approachable person?

That’s how I see myself. It all happened through a bit of improvisation. I was there with Iñigo [Martínez], Pedri, and Eric [García]. Ferran [Torres] couldn’t come celebrate the league title or join the bus tour. We wanted to go see him [in hospital] so we grabbed some bikes because the streets were packed. It happened naturally. It was normal.

We’re normal people. I like doing everyday things, like going for a coffee, taking a walk. Sometimes it’s true that you don’t do those things because you wonder whether you’ll be left alone or bothered, if you know what I mean. But I enjoy doing normal things.

Can you picture yourself riding a bike down Fifth Avenue in New York on July 19?

Hopefully, hopefully. I can definitely picture it. And motivating my teammates, that’s something I’ll definitely do.

You’ve had tough times - like the registration issues at Barcelona - how was that?

They were strange moments, tough in a way because there was uncertainty about what was going to happen. But I had complete confidence in the club that it would be resolved, and it was. In that sense, I had no doubts. The only concern was when it would be resolved. But I always had great trust in Barça.

With the talent in this team, is it Spain’s time to win the World Cup?

It’s time for the second star. We have the quality, as we show on the field. And we also have great human quality, good people. It’s an opportunity for us. We know that a lot depends on us because we have that quality, and we can go for it.

You have spoken about your on-field connection with Lamine Yamal. Is that something you discuss or is it natural?

We don’t talk about it much. We talk about other things, maybe a specific play from the match. But we already understand each other just by looking at one another.

I’ve spent a lot of time playing with him. I know what he likes, and I know what motivates him. Not just one-on-one situations, but even one-on-two situations. Because of that, I try to give him more space. Sometimes I come closer for quick passes or to keep the move flowing. And I always support him completely.

Has he spoken to you about not getting the number 10 shirt?

Well, he hasn’t asked me for it (laughs). But I think it’s a number I’ve earned as well, one that I like and that I wore during the European Championship we won. I don’t see any reason to change it.

This World Cup has been full of stars - Haaland, Mbappé, Kane, Messi - do you see Lamine at that level?

Lamine is world class. He shows it in training and in matches whenever he steps onto the pitch. Whether you put him in that group or not is up to you, but I don’t have any doubts.

Finally: my Barça-supporting friend wants to know whether Julián Álvarez will play for Barça. What do you think of him as a player?

He is a very good player. A world champion. Extremely talented and hardworking. He’s a world-class footballer.

Related stories

Tim Ream interview

“Something special is happening with this team”

Soccer

"At least she dumped me for Messi" - Antonella Roccuzzo's ex

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.