Cristiano Ronaldo has tipped Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, to become “the best player of this new generation,” offering high praise for the 17-year-old forward, Soccernet.football reports.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner shared his thoughts during a conversation with former footballer Rio Ferdinand on Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, highlighting Yamal’s exceptional potential.
“He’s got a huge potential,” Ronaldo said. “I see a lot of talent. But let’s see during his journey what’s going to happen. But I think he’ll make it. He will be the best player of this new generation.”
Yamal has already made his mark on European football. He became the youngest scorer in La Liga history at just 16, and also the youngest player to feature at a European Championship.
His recent performances have continued to impress, particularly after his goal in Barcelona’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Monaco on Thursday.
The young Spaniard’s rise has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, with Girona coach Míchel Sánchez even suggesting that Yamal could reach Messi’s level.
However, Yamal remains focused on creating his own legacy, stating that while it’s an honour to be compared to Messi, “the greatest player in the history of football,” he wants to carve out his own identity.
Ronaldo, who is keeping a close eye on Yamal’s progress, believes the young forward has the right environment to flourish.
“He needs luck because he is very young,” Ronaldo said. “I hope he doesn’t have any problems [injuries]. He is in a context that helps him a lot. Spain’s national team is really good.”
Barcelona chief Jordi Cruyff has also weighed in on Yamal’s early career.
Cruyff revealed that Xavi, Barcelona’s former head coach, quickly identified the young player’s talent, saying it took just five minutes in training for Xavi to recognise his potential.
“Xavi looked at me and said ‘This kid is special,’” Cruyff told Movistar Plus as per Barca Blaugranes. “He’s extraordinary, everyone sees it, but we’re going to give him peace of mind, not pressure. He’s 17, let him enjoy it.”
Cruyff also explained why Barcelona delayed Yamal’s debut despite Xavi wanting him to play earlier.
“We said that first we had to make sure that the player would be ours for many years and then let him play,” he said.
With five goals and three assists already this season, Yamal continues to live up to the hype, proving that he is ready to make his own history.