“It would be him but in the future” - Jorge Mendes names Barcelona star as one player who can be as great as Cristiano Ronaldo
Jorge Mendes has identified Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal as the one who could match Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy in the future. The 58-year-old agent is one of the most influential agents in football with high-profile clients like David de Gea, Jose Mourinho, Joao Felix, Lamine Yamal, Diego Costa, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
For over two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated world football with his unparalleled work ethic and penchant for consistently scoring goals. The Portuguese superstar is the highest goalscorer in the history of the game with 916 strikes in 1255 games for club and country. He has also claimed the coveted Ballon d'Or five times in his career - the second-most by an individual after Barcelona legend Lionel Messi (eight).
In a recent interview with sports daily MARCA, Jorge Mendes drew parallels between La Masia prodigy Lamine Yamal and Ronaldo, saying (via Foot Boom):
"Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest of all time, he is unique. He was, he is, and he will continue to be. If there is anyone who can be like him now, it would be Lamine Yamal, but in the future."
"He has the most talent and the best chance of doing things right. He can win several Ballon d'Or awards," Mendes continued.
The Portuguese superagent also highlighted the Al-Nassr superstar's hunger for becoming the best and his relentless hard work.
"Ronaldo is the best. I've always thought that way. He is an example in training, in nutrition, in work on and off the pitch. He is a model for what should be done," he opined.
Despite being at the twilight of his career, Ronaldo is scoring for fun at Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr. The 39-year-old has already netted 16 goals and created three more in 19 club games across competitions this season.
Lamine Yamal has also been extremely crucial for Hansi Flick's Barcelona this season. The Spaniard has scored six goals and produced a dozen assists in 21 games across competitions. However, the Barcelona prodigy is currently sidelined because of an ankle injury.
When Cristiano Ronaldo shared his thoughts on Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal has been one of the focal points of most football discourses ever since he made his senior-team debut for Barcelona in 2023. The Spaniard caught the eye of both fans and other players, including that of Saudi-based superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
In September 2024, Ronaldo opened up about his thoughts on Lamine Yamal in a discussion with ex-Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand. The former Ballon d'Or winner opined that Yamal would be one of the greats of the current generation of talents. He said:
“I see a lot of talent in Lamine Yamal. I hope he does not have any problems in the future. He needs a bit of luck because he is still very young, but I think he will be one of the best in this generation, for sure.”
However, the two have yet to face each other in a competitive game for either club or country so far.