"One day he will be the best in the world" - Rivaldo makes bold claim about breakout Barcelona star
Former Brazilian footballer Rivaldo recently heaped praise on Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. At the young age of 17, Yamal has risen to become one of the most significant players for both club and country.
Lamine Yamal made his debut for Barcelona in their 4-0 win over Real Betis in LaLiga in April 2023. The youngster then became key to Spain's victory in the 2024 Euros, recording one goal and four assists in seven games in the tournament. The teenager notably scored Spain's first goal in their 2-1 win over France in the semi-final, becoming the youngest ever Euros goalscorer.
In the current season, Lamine Yamal has recorded five goals and five assists in 11 appearances for Barcelona across competitions. The Spaniard is often compared to former Blaugrana legends, especially Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr, for his remarkable dribbling and ball control.
In an interview with Diario SPORT, former Barcelona legend Rivaldo shared that Lamine Yamal reminds him of himself. He said (via GOAL):
"The one that everyone is loving is Lamine. (...) At times, yes [he reminds me of myself], because I went onto the pitch to enjoy football, that joy. He has that joy, he plays to enjoy, he enjoys it and the fans do too. He is 17 years old and plays as if he were 26 or 27."
Rivaldo added:
"He [Yamal] will surely be great, he already is, he is doing a great job: he is a Euro champion, he did well in Barcelona. But one day he will be the best in the world."
Rivaldo played for Barca between 1997 and 2002, winning two LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey and one UEFA Super Cup. In 235 appearances for the Catalan side, the former Brazil international recorded 130 goals and 45 assists.
Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal has won the 2022-23 LaLiga title with Barca, although he only made his debut appearance that season. It remains to be seen if the Spaniard can match upto Rivaldo's legacy at the Catalan side.
When Barcelona legend Lionel Messi tipped Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d'Or in the future
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi named Lamine Yamal as one of the players who could win the coveted Ballon d'Or in the future. Messi's comments came after he won his record eighth Ballon d'Or in October 2023.
In an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe, Lionel Messi said (via Barca Blaugranes):
"There is a generation of players that can compete in the coming years. There are the cases of Haaland, Mbappé, Vinicius... I don’t know, there are many young people. Lamine, who is now very young and is already playing at Barcelona and being important ... will play a prominent role and fight for it in the future too."
Lamine Yamal made it to France Football's 30-man shortlist for the men's Ballon d'Or for the first time in 2024. Yamal bagged his first shortlist at the age of 17. In comparison, Messi was 19 when he bagged his first nomination in 2006.
Although Yamal's isn't expected to win the golden ball this year, he is a favorite to win the Kopa Trophy, which is given to the best performer worldwide under the age of 21. The award will be presented on October 28 alongside the Ballon d'Or. Yamal is also a strong contestant to win the 2024 Golden Boy award given by Italian newspaper Tuttosport. Lionel Messi notably won the award in 2005.