Key Points
- Messi’s former Barça teammate claims Yamal is better than Messi was at 17.
- Despite the praise, Yamal is not yet a Ballon d’Or frontrunner.
- Barça director Deco calls Yamal a “genius” like Messi and Ronaldinho.
- Yamal signed a mega contract until 2031 and will wear the iconic No. 10.
- Legends like Ronaldinho and Gavi believe he has Ballon d’Or potential.
- Yamal stays humble—focused on team trophies over individual glory.
A Bold Claim from a Former Messi Ally
Mark van Bommel, once a teammate of Lionel Messi at Barcelona, recently declared that Lamine Yamal is already ahead of Messi at the same age. A bold proclamation—but Van Bommel also cautions fans not to rush the crown: the Ballon d’Or remains a distant summit.
Deco Sees the Fire of Two Legends
Barcelona sporting director Deco chimed in with high praise, calling Yamal a “genius”—a word he rarely uses lightly. According to Deco, Yamal channels the flair of Ronaldinho and the sharp instincts of Messi, making him a uniquely gifted talent even by Barça’s historic standards.
Ballon d’Or Chatter Begins to Bubble
Yamal’s supporters are multiplying. Ronaldinho has predicted the teenager will “make history” at Camp Nou and likely collect multiple Ballons d’Or in his career. Spain teammate Gavi, too, believes Yamal could rise above even Ousmane Dembélé in global rankings.
A Billion‑Euro Bet on the No. 10
Barça’s belief in Yamal is sealed in ink. He recently signed a contract extension through 2031, rumored to be among the club’s most lucrative deals. And next season, he’s set to inherit the sacred No. 10 jersey—once worn by Messi himself. With a €1 billion release clause, the message is clear: this is their crown jewel.
The Teen Who Thinks Like a Veteran
Despite the tidal wave of hype, Yamal remains impressively grounded. “I don’t think about the Ballon d’Or,” he said. “I think you’ll end badly if you only think about that. I think about winning trophies.” That mindset, coupled with his dazzling skillset, is exactly why he’s trusted in crucial moments on the pitch.
Looking Ahead
- Sustained brilliance is needed to truly enter Ballon d’Or conversations.
- With legends backing him, Yamal’s support network is elite—but pressure rises.
- Big-match performances will ultimately define whether he’s a generational icon.
Final Whistle
Lamine Yamal is turning heads and shaking up expectations at Barcelona. With comparisons to Messi growing louder and a support system rallying behind him, the sky’s the limit. But for now, it’s consistency, humility, and cold-blooded performances that will determine if he can convert all this promise into football immortality.
Stay with Goal Drift for all the pulse-pounding updates on Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s resurgence, and the next chapter in La Liga’s legendary legacy.
