Fabio Capello, one of the most respected coaches in world football, has spoken out firmly against the constant comparisons being made between Lamine Yamal and legends like Lionel Messi or Diego Maradona. While he praised the young FC Barcelona talent, the Italian coach made it clear that putting him on the same level as those two icons is, at the very least, premature. “Maradona and Messi weren’t just great players — they were once-in-a-lifetime geniuses. They dominated world football for years. Lamine still has a long way to go,” he said.

"I don't see that spark of genius in him"

Capello emphasized that his comments weren’t meant to downplay Yamal’s quality, but rather to highlight what separates a brilliant player from a true genius. “I’m not talking about stats or technique. I’m talking about imagination and genius. Messi and Maradona did things no one else would even dare to think of... and honestly, you can’t compare Lamine to them — not now, and probably not ever,” he stated. He even pointed out that at 16, Messi was already showing something special: “I saw it with my own eyes — full confidence.”

Praise with caution

Despite his criticism, the Italian didn’t hesitate to acknowledge the young Barça star’s potential. “He’s a spectacular player with a very mature mindset. If he stays focused, he can make a real difference in the future,” Capello said. In fact, he surprised many by naming Lamine Yamal among his top picks for the upcoming Ballon d’Or: “My votes would go to Vinicius, Mbappé, and first, Lamine Yamal.”

Having coached the likes of Real Madrid, AC Milan, and the England national team, Capello also warned against putting too much pressure on young players. “Comparing them to icons like Maradona and Messi too soon can actually do more harm than good. Sometimes we forget just how incredible those two really were,” he explained, offering a perspective shaped by decades of experience managing top talents.

In the race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, and with a new generation stepping up following the competitive exit of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Capello made his stance clear: Lamine Yamal is a gem of the present with a bright future — but he’s still far from reaching the heights of the football gods.