A trio of birthdays amid contrasting fortunes

The 12th and 13th of July are significant dates for Spanish football. Coincidentally, La Liga's three most talked-about wingers of late are celebrating their birthdays: a formidable trio comprised of Vinicius, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal.

The Real Madrid and Athletic players turn 25 and 23 respectively on Saturday, while on Sunday the Barcelona player will come of age. These special days of celebration, however, arrive at very different junctures for the trio, whose sporting fortunes have diverged significantly in recent weeks.

Vinicius, battling doubts and a search for form

Currently, the most concerning case is that of Vinicius Junior, who is under scrutiny for his performances at the Club World Cup. After missing out on the Ballon d'Or at the end of 2024, the Brazilian entered a dramatic slump which has continued throughout 2025, seeing him far from his best.

Numerically overshadowed by Mbappe and less decisive on the pitch than before, rumours surrounding his role and situation at the club have proliferated. While his contract renewal is agreed in principle, it remains unsigned. While no surprises are expected, the murmurings surrounding him have grown louder recently.

Nico and Yamal, renewed but on different paths

In stark contrast, particularly regarding their futures, are Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, with the Athletic forward having endured a particularly eventful June.

Nico seemed poised for a move to Barcelona, but his situation dramatically shifted. What appeared to be a ticket to the Catalan capital instead became a renewal until 2035 with the Basque club. This news instantly erased any fan resentment, positioning the younger Williams brother as the cornerstone of Bilbao's ambitious project.

For his part, Lamine Yamal turns 18 at the peak of his powers. The undisputed leader of a Barcelona side that secured the national treble, the Rocafonda native's contract runs until 30 June 2031, ensuring he remains the face of the 'Azulgrana' for at least a decade, counting from his elite breakthrough in the 2023-24 season.

He won't share the pitch with his friend Nico at a Camp Nou poised for reopening, yet this should not hinder the La Masia talent's continued progress. At just 18, his aspirations for a Ballon d'Or, recognising him as the world's best player, remain entirely merited.