Lamine Yamal talks Messi, Neymar, Flick, Araujo, Rodri, Golden Boy, Ballon d’Or, Barcelona future | OneFootball

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has just won the prestigious Golden Boy award, recognising him as the best Under-21 player in Europe.

This is yet another accolade for the La Masia graduate, who has become a global star at an astonishing pace. His rise is undoubtedly an exceptional success story.

The 17-year-old recently sat down for an interview with MARCA where he discussed his recently won Golden Boy and shared a glimpse into his life.

When asked about the Golden Boy award, Yamal responded, “Thank you very much, it is a great honour to receive it.”

Discussing his remarkable year, which has included the Euro 2024, the Golden Boy, and the Kopa Trophy, Yamal expressed:

“Yes, absolutely. A lot has happened to me all at once while I am still young. But I always try to take it easy and keep my feet on the ground. My career has only just begun.”

When asked how he manages to stay grounded and who keeps him in check, Yamal was quick to credit his family and friends.

“Without a doubt, my family and friends. They have always supported me and remind me of what really matters,” he remarked.

Reflecting on a comment made by Rodri at the Ballon d’Or gala, where he predicted that Yamal would win at least one Ballon d’Or, Yamal admitted:

“It was truly a great honour. For a player and leader like Rodri to say that is very flattering and motivates me to work and improve.”

Lamine Yamal – The Golden Boy for 2024. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

However, Yamal insists that the Ballon d’Or is not an obsession for him, as he said: “It is not something I am obsessed with. First, I have other dreams to fulfil, such as winning the Champions League or winning a World Cup.

“If I ever win the Ballon d’Or, it will be because I have achieved those collective goals first. But of course, it would be nice.”

Yamal’s rapid rise has led to comparisons with Lionel Messi, with his statistics at just 17 years old already surpassing the Barcelona legend’s at that age. He responded modestly:

“It is an honour, but I try to write my own story. Messi is the best player in history, and I am still taking my first steps. These comparisons sometimes do not help.”

When asked about his footballing inspirations, the youngster mentioned Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldinho, saying:

“Mainly because of their fun style, their way of living the game… always trying something new.”

The teenager also gave credit to the experienced players around him, citing Rodri, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Carvajal, Frankie de Jong, and Raphinha as those whose advice he values.

Yamal agreed that the Euro 2024 marked a turning point in his career, stating: “Without a doubt. It was the tournament that allowed me to explode and gain confidence.

“However, I still have many aspects of my game to improve, and I am already thinking about the next challenges.”

When asked if his stunning goal against France was the best of his career so far, the Barcelona sensation admitted:

“It could be because it was in the semifinals of a European Championship. Although, when I was younger, I scored many beautiful goals too.”

Regarding speculation about future transfer offers, including from PSG and Manchester City, Yamal insisted that he only thinks about Barça.

“No, I honestly do not think about that. I only think about Barcelona, about improving, and winning titles here,” he stated clearly.

Lamine Yamal also won the Kopa Trophy this year. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

He was also asked about the influence of coach Hansi Flick on Barcelona this season, to which Yamal responded: “I think he has given us intensity, which has helped us to gain confidence.”

When asked whether the Barcelona squad believes they can win everything this season, he was confident, saying: “That is our intention. We will give everything to achieve it. We have what it takes.”

Yamal was also asked about what he enjoys most about this Barcelona team this season. He noted the importance of the team’s unity, saying:

“We have consolidated ourselves as a group, we know each other better. I think that is something very important.”

In terms of rivalries, Lamine shared that playing at the Santiago Bernabeu is a special experience.

“I enjoy it because it is a challenge, and I like challenges. Playing against Real Madrid is always special,” he admitted.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Spanish international expressed his goals for the year, as he said: “To win titles with Barcelona and for my family to be well.”

When asked if there was a particular title he was especially excited to win, he answered: “The Champions League, it is a dream I want to fulfil.”

In terms of his toughest opponents, Yamal mentioned: “In training, Ronald Araujo. A rival? Ferland Mendy.”

On his physical development this year, Yamal revealed: “I have gained quite a bit of muscle, surely around 10 kilos. But more important than that is that I feel really good on the field.”

Looking back on his career so far, the La Masia gem named his top three players he would like to have played with: “There are many. But if I had to choose a top three, it would be Ronaldinho, Neymar, and Messi.”

As for this year’s Ballon d’Or, Yamal concluded, “This year, I would have voted for Rodri.”