"He’s already the new Messi of Barcelona!": Dutch legend predicts historic future for Barça’s teenage superstar

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·20. November 2025

"He’s already the new Messi of Barcelona!": Dutch legend predicts historic future for Barça’s teenage superstar

Dutch legend praises the 18 year old Barcelona star after his meteoric rise

"He’s already the new Messi of Barcelona!": Dutch legend predicts historic future for Barça’s teenage superstar

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Former Real Madrid & Netherlands icon Wesley Sneijder believes that Lamine Yamal has the potential not only to emulate Lionel Messi but even surpass him in the future describing the Barcelona winger as "already the new Messi of Barca".

Yamal now one of the most influential young players in world football has risen at incredible speed.

After bursting onto the scene two season ago, he delivered breakthrough campaign last year that cemented his place among the sport’s elite.

His performances earned him second place in the 2025 Ballon d’Or finishing behind PSG star Ousmane Dembele.

"He’s already Barcelona’s new Messi" — Sneijder

"When people ask whether Lamine Yamal can become Messi one day.. for me, he is already the new Messi of Barcelona"

Sneijder believes Yamal’s development trajectory places him on path few players in history have matched:

"Barcelona will never let him leave, and I don’t think he wants to leave either. He grew up at the club, he’s already achieved so much with the first team and he is shining star. Why would he think about England or Germany? It makes no sense"

⁉️Do you ever see Lamine Yamal in the Premier League one day? 🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Wesley Sneijder: "Lamine Yamal at Barcelona is the new Messi. They will never let him leave, and I believe, I’m convinced, that the kid will never want to leave either. "He’s been there since he was
– Dienstag, 18. November 2025

A long term Barca figure

Sneijder added that Yamal’s connection with the club gives him every chance to build career comparable to Messi’s:

"Maybe many years from now he might want new experience, just like Messi did. But if we talk again in 2035, I am convinced he will still be wearing the Barcelona shirt"

And the Dutch legend went even further: