- Cristiano Ronaldo recently hailed Yamal as a future Ballon d’Or winner, praising his “great potential”
- At 16, Yamal became the youngest scorer in La Liga history and the youngest player to feature at a European Championship
- Girona coach Míchel Sánchez believes Yamal can reach Messi's level
Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, has swiftly taken the football world by storm over the past 12-15 months.
At just 17, Yamal has already made his mark as one of the most promising young wingers in the sport. From his dazzling performances to his record-breaking feats, his rapid rise has left rivals and pundits alike in awe of his talent.
Yamal, who netted Barcelona's sole goal in their 2-1 defeat against Monaco on Thursday, September 19 Champions League clash, has continued to gather accolades ever since his debut. The youngster broke records as the youngest-ever scorer in La Liga and became the youngest player to feature at a European Championship.
His outstanding performances during the 2024 Euros earned him the Young Player of the Tournament award, having displayed a superb performance in Spain’s triumph.
Even the great Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t help but notice Yamal’s extraordinary rise. The Real Madrid legend, while speaking during an interview earlier this month,
“I see great potential and great talent. He needs a bit of luck because he is still very young. I hope he doesn’t have any problems,” Ronaldo stated, during a conversation with Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel.
Ronaldo further elaborated, “I believe Lamine Yamal will be one of the best players of this new generation.”
When asked about Yamal’s achievements playing senior football at an age when neither he nor Lionel Messi had even made their senior debut, Ronaldo added,
“Yes. The national team helped him a lot because he was very good. I think he has great potential… But let’s see, if he has his way, that’s what will happen. But I believe he will achieve it.”
Such high praise from one of football’s greatest only shows the immense potential Yamal possesses. Not only Ronaldo but Girona coach Míchel Sánchez has also weighed in, suggesting that Yamal could one day reach the level of Messi.
Currently favourite to win the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy this year, Yamal’s future seems brighter than ever. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the teenage star claim a high position in the Ballon d’Or rankings soon.
“After all he did”: Ronaldo's surprise pick of Mbappé over Benzema leaves football fans debating
Previously, TheRadar reported that Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent YouTube video, featuring Rio Ferdinand, had sparked significant online discussion and debate after the Portuguese icon made several unexpected player selections during a fun challenge.
One of the most surprising choices was when Ronaldo picked Kylian Mbappé over his long-time Real Madrid strike partner Karim Benzema, leaving fans stunned and social media confused.
