In a video on Rio Ferdinand's YouTube channel, Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski discussed his teammate, 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal.
The first time I saw him in a first team training session, he was 15 years old. It was the first time I saw someone like that in my life because I’ve seen many talented young players, but for the first time I said “WOW. Who is this kid? It’s impossible to be so good and so intelligent at this age.” His challenge will be to stay at this level for the next ten years.
Yamal is a graduate of FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy. He has been with the first team since July 2023 and has played a total of 67 matches for the club, scoring 13 goals and providing 17 assists.
His contract with the Catalan club runs until the end of June 2026. Transfermarkt values the Spanish winger at 150 million euros.
For the Spanish national team, Yamal has made 17 appearances, scoring three goals and providing nine assists. He was recognized as the best young player at the Euro 2024 tournament, which Spain won.
Earlier, La Liga president Javier Tebas expressed doubt that Lamine Yamal would reach the level of former Barcelona player Lionel Messi.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta mentioned that the club turned down a 250 million euro offer for the 17-year-old winger.
