“Without a doubt” - Jorge Mendes predicts what will happen if Lamine Yamal places Cristiano Ronaldo as idol
Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes has predicted what will happen to Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal if he looks at Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol in football. The Spanish teenager has turned heads in 2024 with the quality of his performances for club and country, earning him rave reviews.
Yamal became a regular for his club and country aged 16, and helped Spain win Euro 2024 in the summer a day after he turned 17 years old. The forward recently won the 2024 Golden Boy award given to the most promising youngster in world football. He is represented by Mendes, who represents a host of A-list football stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking in an interview with Tuttosport, the agent pointed out that his client should look at the exemplary career of Al-Nassr forward and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. He predicted that the Spaniard will dominate world football for two decades if he tailors his lifestyle to Ronaldo's.
“I don’t like to make comparisons, but without a doubt, Cristiano is a good example to follow, not only for Lamine but for all young people. If he follows his example on and off the pitch, he will surely be at the top of world football in the next 20 years.”
Lamine Yamal has often named Barcelona legend and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi as his childhood idol, having watched him at the club. The youngster has drawn comparisons to the Argentine great in terms of his style of play, precociousness, and club affiliations.
Yamal has been in excellent form this season, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists in 21 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona. He has now played 74 times for the club at just 17 years old and is widely tipped to have a huge future.
When Cristiano Ronaldo shared his thoughts on Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal has burst onto the scene in the professional football circles and has taken over the limelight with a series of world-class displays in the last 15 months. The teenager has caught the eyes of most of the world, including Saudi-based Cristiano Ronaldo.
Back in September, Ronaldo spoke with Rio Ferdinand on his podcast, pointing out that he sees a great deal of talent in the 17-year-old. According to him, Yamal will be one of the best of his generation on the back of his displays so far.
“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.”
Ronaldo, himself, made waves at 18 when he left Sporting for Manchester United. In terms of having seen it all, the 39-year-old certainly has, having played in Portugal, England, Spain, Italy, and now Saudi Arabia.