17-year-old Lamine Yamal, the football prodigy from Spain, scored twice in their 5-4 win over France in the semifinal of the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, June 5.
With a hint of likeable cockiness to go with his undeniable talent, Yamal has been one of the best players this season.
He has scored 18 goals and registered 16 assists for Barcelona this season, winning the La Liga and Copa Del Rey titles in the process.
Regardless of whether he wins the Ballon d’Or this time around, he is definitely going to remain in contention to do the same in the upcoming decade or so.
Lamine Yamal: A Generational Talent
Aside from Pele and Lionel Messi, hardly any other teenager in the history of the game has been able to capture the imagination of lovers all around the world in the way Yamal has.
He has already played more than 100 matches for Barcelona at senior level. He has also earned 21 caps for the Spanish national team and was a key member of the side that won the European Championships in 2024.
Yamal now has six goals for his country failing to add to the tally in their Nations League final loss against Portugal.
Spain had another precocious youngster like Fernando Torres in the past, but he was not as young as Yamal and probably not as talented either.
Winning a second UEFA title for his country will definitely make Yamal one of the biggest achievers in the history of the game at his age.
Not since the days of Pele has any teenage player been able to be so consistently successful in international football as Yamal.
Like Lionel Messi, Yamal has a lethal left foot and is dangerous for the opposition defence while cutting inside through the inside-right channel.
Yamal is usually able to wreak havoc with his fantastic dribbling skills and also has the ability to finish with his left foot with aplomb.
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A Worthy Investment
Yamal has recently signed a contract extension with the Catalan giants until 2031.
He should see through his contract at the club, which should see him further grow and evolve as a player.
He should also be able to gain valuable international experience at next year’s FIFA World Cup.
It is simply scary to think that Yamal might not be anywhere near his prime and yet be among the top players in the world already.
It is not good news for the defenders all around the world that Yamal might improve considerably as time goes by.
At this rate, the young man might go on to become one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / MIS
Recording Date: 05.06.2025