Yamal hits back at ex-Netherlands player Van der Vaart after Spain's Nations League win

MADRID (AP) — Lamine Yamal has made it clear he wasn't happy with criticism from former Netherlands player Rafael van der Vaart.

Yamal helped Spain get past the Dutch in the quarterfinals of the Nations League on Sunday.

After the penalty shootout, the 17-year-old Yamal lowered his shorts just below the waist, directly addressing Van der Vaart's reported comments as a Dutch television pundit that he was bothered by the Spanish teenager's attitude last week during the 2-2 draw in the first leg in the Netherlands.

Van der Vaart was quoted by Spanish media as saying that Yamal didn't seem motivated, noting he was playing with his shorts lowered and with gestures that showed indifference. He said Yamal was handily defeated in his duel with Dutch left back Jorrel Hato in that first leg.

Yamal's teammate, Nico Williams, also lowered his shorts alongside Yamal after the shootout win in Valencia.

On Instagram, Yamal posted the photo of him and Williams with shorts lowered and a couple of images of Van der Vaart. Beside laughing emojis, he wrote, “Shorts down, one goal, one missed penalty, and into the semifinals.”

The post included images of Yamal playing and celebrating with his Spain teammates.

Yamal scored in extra time of the 3-3 draw, then suffered Spain's lone penalty miss in a shootout won 5-4.

Yamal's Barcelona teammate Ferran Torres was among those commenting on Yamal's Instagram post to support him.

Van der Vaart played for Barcelona rival Real Madrid from 2008-10, and made more than 100 appearances with the Netherlands in the 2000s.

Spain, the defending European champion, is trying to win its second straight Nations League title.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his side third goal during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal second leg match between the Netherlands and Spain at Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, March 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

Spain's Lamine Yamal, right, scores his side third goal during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal second leg match between the Netherlands and Spain at Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, March 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

Spain's Pedro Porro, left, congratulates his teammate Lamine Yamal after scoring his side third goal during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal second leg match between the Netherlands and Spain at Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, March 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his side third goal during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal second leg match between the Netherlands and Spain at Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, March 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

Spain's Lamine Yamal reacts after scoring his side third goal during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal second leg match between the Netherlands and Spain at Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, March 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

PARMA, Italy--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 7, 2026--

Lincotek today announced the appointment of Gianluca Fioravanti as Global General Manager of its Medical Division - a global solution provider for the orthopedic market.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407710572/en/

Reporting directly to Group CEO Andrea Colombo, Fioravanti assumed the role as of April 7 and will help drive the business forward. He will lead the development and execution of the company’s global growth strategy, while ensuring its seamless operational implementation across all regions. This strategic appointment reflects Lincotek’s commitment to enhance the value it delivers to customers, strengthening its ability to serve them better.

Fioravanti brings more than 25 years of international experience to the Group, having held senior leadership roles across operations, engineering and general management in the medical sector. With a degree in Electronics Engineering and an Executive MBA, he previously worked for a diverse range of global businesses including Pfizer, Baxter, Novartis, GSK Vaccines and Johnson & Johnson.

Most recently, at Jabil Healthcare, Fioravanti held the role of Senior Operations Global Director, overseeing a network of 12 manufacturing sites across Europe and the U.S., and managing more than 4,000 people.

“Gianluca brings extensive experience of highly regulated and technologically advanced environments, specifically in the orthopedic industry,”says Andrea Colombo, Group CEO of Lincotek .“His proven track record of managing complex international environments and driving transformation programs will be highly significant as we work to optimize the service we provide to customers. This will further reinforce our role as a trusted partner in helping them navigate increasingly complex challenges. We’re thrilled to have him on board.”

Gianluca Fioravanti, Global General Manager of Lincotek’s Medical Division, added: “It is truly an honor to join Lincotek at such an important moment in the company’s evolution. I am genuinely inspired by the dedication and expertise of the teams within the Medical Division, who represent an extraordinary wealth of professionalism and passion. Together, we aim to strengthen our global impact while accelerating innovation across the entire value chain - from advancing our manufacturing technologies to delivering increasingly sophisticated solutions for our OEM partners. I am excited to collaborate with these exceptional teams to drive further progress and create even greater value for our customers in the years ahead.”

About Lincotek: lincotek.com

Gianluca Fioravanti, Global GM Lincotek’s Medical Division