"I have a very special affection towards him" - Raphinha hails Barcelona teammate as 'one of the best in the world'
Barcelona forward Raphinha called his teammate and rising star Lamine Yamal 'one of the best in the world'. The Brazilian claimed that he has a 'special affection' towards the 17-year-old, who has sent shockwaves in the footballing world with his scintillating displays.
Raphinha has been an outstanding performer in the Catalan giants' new era under manager Hansi Flick. He has been unstoppable in the new system, with 10 goals and nine assists in just 14 appearances across all competitions.
On the other hand, Yamal has enjoyed a steady rise to the top since his senior debut in 2023. After making 50 appearances for Barca as a 16-year-old last season (seven goals, nine assists), he won EURO 2024 with Spain in the summer. He was also named the Young Player of the Tournament for scoring a goal and bagging four assists en route to the title.
Yamal has been quick off the blocks in the 2024-25 season, with six goals and seven assists in 14 appearances across competitions. He has formed a potent attacking trio alongside Raphinha and Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, which has powered Barcelona to the top of LaLiga.
About his relationship with the young Spanish star, Raphinha said (via BarcaTimes on X):
"Lamine Yamal is my boy. I have a very special affection towards him. He is one of the best in the world."
Up next, Raphinha and Yamal will likely be seen in action when Barcelona take on local rivals Espanyol at home in LaLiga on Sunday, November 3.
"We'll make each other better" - When Raphinha made claim about rising Barcelona star Lamine Yamal
Barcelona star Raphinha once claimed that it was his 'honor' to compete with Lamine Yamal for a spot in the Catalans' starting lineup.
Although the pair are nailed-on starters on the wings under Hansi Flick in the 2024-25 season, they competed for a single spot under Xavi last campaign. Raphinha ended up making 13 fewer appearances (37) than Yamal (50) last season. Yet, it didn't seem to bother him, as he claimed that the competition was just helping them 'make each other better'.
In April 2024, he said (via Fabrizio Romano on X):
"It doesn’t bother me to compete with Lamine Yamal, rather it's an honour to compete with him. He will be one of the best players in the world, we'll make each other better. In a team like Barcelona, competition must always be present."
Raphinha, Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski have a combined total of 33 goals and 18 assists this season. All three were on the scoresheet in Barcelona's 4-0 thumping of Real Madrid in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26. The win helped them consolidate their position atop the league (11 games, 10 wins, one loss).