"I think he is in the hands of God" - MMA star Conor McGregor hails breakout Barcelona star Lamine Yamal
Conor McGregor has given a glowing verdict to Barcelona and Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal. The UFC fighter knows all about meteoric rises, having become arguably the biggest star in his promotion's history.
The Irish mixed martial artist and businessman waxed lyrical about Yamal. He told Mundo Deportivo:
"The young boy, the (17)-year-old, Lamine Yamal, I think he in the hands of God. They (Spain) crushed everyone and won."
Yamal dazzled at Euro 2024, winning the Young Player of the Tournament award in Germany. He posted one goal and four assists in seven games, including a stunning strike in a 2-1 win against France in the semifinals.
Barcelona's youngest-ever player was similarly impressive during the Catalans' 2023-24 campaign. He registered seven goals and 10 assists in 50 games across competitions.
The La Masia Academy graduate is the frontrunner to win the 2024 Golden Boy Award. His Euro 2024 has many predicting him to be Barcelona's next megastar, following in the footsteps of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.
McGregor made a similarly promising start to his UFC career at a young age and quickly fought to the top of the featherweight division. He knows all about hard work and dedication, and Yamal has all the tools to be just as successful.
Pedri backs his Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal to win the Golden Boy award
Lamine Yamal is the favorite to win the Golden Boy award amid a stunning past year for club and country. He became the youngest-ever debutant and goalscorer for Barcelona and Spain.
Pedri thinks Yamal is the deserved winner of the award, which he won in 2021. He told The Residency podcast:
"The next Golden Boy? Lamine Yamal 100%."
A leaked list of the Golden Boy rankings has Yamal sitting in the top spot ahead of the winner, who will be announced later this year. He'd become the third Barca star to win the award since its introduction in 2003, with Messi, Pedri, and Gavi the other winners.
Yamal is quickly becoming the most talked about Catalan talent since the likes of Pedri and Gavi. Messi is the Blaugrana's all-time top scorer and arguably the greatest player in the La Liga giants' history.
The Barca wonderkid will have the chance to face Messi in the Finalissima after Spain's Euro 2024 win. La Roja will clash with Argentina after La Abiceleste won Copa America just hours after De la Fuente's men triumphed.