Manchester United fan Luke Littler aims dig at Lamine Yamal as World Matchplay champion downplays Barcelona star's role in Spain's World Cup win
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By Ben Grounds
Updated 01/08/2026 at 20:02 GMT+1
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Luke Littler believes he has produced the most dominant sporting year of any athlete in the world, with the teenage darts sensation backing his remarkable run of success against some of the biggest names across global sport - including Spain and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
Watch: Yamal laughs at Paredes v Gavi ‘Fight of the Year’ poster during Spain celebrations
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Littler’s dominance has led to comparisons with some of sport’s biggest performers, including Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner, Formula 1 leader Kimi Antonelli and Spain’s teenage football star Yamal.
The 19-year-old, an avid Manchester United supporter, has enjoyed a historic 2026 campaign, winning all six PDC televised majors so far - the World Championship, World Masters, UK Open, Premier League, World Cup and the World Matchplay.
He has set his sights on a clean sweep of all 11 trophies available and Littler's incredible consistency has seen him win 66 of his past 76 matches in major events since November, according to The Sun, establishing one of the strongest runs in darts history.
On the tennis scene, the Italian Sinner has enjoyed a spectacular season, winning Wimbledon and five consecutive Masters titles, while Antonelli has emerged as a leading figure in Formula 1.
Yamal, meanwhile, played a key role as Spain lifted the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Argentina in the final.
However, speaking to The Sun following his latest World Matchplay title, Littler believes his achievements stand above those of his rivals because of the individual nature of darts and the level of consistency he has maintained.
Asked whether he is currently the most dominant sportsman in the world, Littler appeared to downplay Yamal's role in his country's success in North America this summer.
”Obviously at the minute it’s hard to say, with Sinner winning Wimbledon," the 2026 PDC World Championship winner began.
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Lamine Yamal celebrates Spain's World Cup success
Image credit: Getty Images
”But yes, the way I’m winning games and the way I’m producing and picking up trophies, it’s probably the best out there.
”Obviously, Spain won the World Cup and everyone is talking about Lamine Yamal.
”I mean he didn't really do much, did he? Scored maybe one goal. Assisted, too. Is he the best 19-year-old in the world? No, he’s not.
”As long as I’m winning, playing well and picking up trophies, then that’s all that matters.”
Having turned professional in January 2024, the Warrington-born star has built a huge advantage at the top of the world rankings, with more than £3.1 million in prize money.
His current form has been so dominant that he could potentially remain at the summit for a significant period even without adding further titles.
Littler’s latest statement of superiority came at the World Matchplay in Blackpool, where he delivered a stunning final performance against Gerwyn Price, recording a record 111.53 three-dart average which surpassed darts legend Phil Taylor's Matchplay average of 106.31.
Despite his extraordinary results, Littler insists his success is not built on endless hours of preparation immediately before tournaments.
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Instead, he believes the foundation was created during the Covid pandemic, when he spent countless hours developing his game.
”Some say it’s natural," Littler added. ”But during Covid I was just doing silly hours on the board, seven or eight hours a day, because there was nothing else to do.
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Jannik Sinner celebrates with the Wimbledon trophy
Image credit: Getty Images
”So I feel pretty comfortable coming to the venue. Obviously, players have set times of maybe three or four hours.
”I mean I practice for 20-25 minutes, just relax again and then go back on the board.
”I’ve done enough work down the years. Now it’s just about relaxing. Every time I come to the venue it’s just about getting warm.
”I don’t practice to try and hit nine-darters or to hit big finishes. It’s just finding the treble and going on stage and producing my best. Taking my practice on to the stage.”
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