The Young Winger Prefers to Follow His Own Path

Lamine Yamal, the young talent from FC Barcelona, addressed the inevitable comparisons to Lionel Messi. In a recent interview, the 17-year-old forward made it clear that while these comparisons are flattering, his goal is to carve out his own identity on the field. “Messi is the best player in history, and being compared to him means I’m doing things right, but I try to be myself,” he said.

Yamal also reflected on the fact that these comparisons often arise due to his style of play as a left-winger, commenting that “it means that people have that in their mind every time they see a left-winger, or sometimes just when someone is left-footed.”

The Importance of Teamwork

Despite the immense potential he’s shown in his first few months with Barcelona, Lamine Yamal remains humble and rejects the label of being the club's “new star.” According to him, the most important thing is feeling comfortable within the team and contributing to the collective effort. “You don’t need to feel like the star, the important thing is to be comfortable, play for the team, and have your teammates help you,” he emphasized, showing a maturity that’s surprising for his age.

When asked about his relationship with coach Hansi Flick, Yamal expressed deep gratitude for the support he’s received from the manager. “He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had,” he declared, highlighting how approachable and understanding he’s been with him and his teammates.

At just 17, Yamal has made it clear that his future will depend on his individual effort and his ability to stay true to his playing style. Without a doubt, the young winger has his eyes set on personal development, leaving the comparisons behind to follow his own path in the world of football.