On-loan Barcelona forward praises Lamine Yamal: ‘The truth is that…’ | OneFootball

Ansu Fati is set for an emotionally charged night in Madrid as the AS Monaco forward prepares to face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League tonight. 

Currently on loan from Barcelona, the encounter carries extra meaning for a player whose identity remains deeply tied to the Blaugrana.

Ahead of the fixture, Ansu Fati spoke to Movistar Plus, offering a personal reflection on what promises to be a special occasion.

For the La Masia graduate, the rivalry goes beyond club colours or competition status. 

Ansu made it clear that the emotional weight of the match has not faded with time or distance. He stated, “Facing Real Madrid, being from Barça, is always a Clasico.”

Praise for Lamine Yamal

The 23-year-old also took a moment to speak warmly about one of Barcelona’s brightest current stars, Lamine Yamal. 

Having experienced the pressure of breaking through at a young age himself, Ansu clearly sees familiar traits in the teenage sensation. 

He added, “Because of how young he is, because of everything he has shown and continues to show. 

Ansu Fati has praised Lamine Yamal. (Photo courtesy: X/AS_Monaco_EN)

“The truth is that I will always wish him the best. Especially coming from La Masia. He is a source of pride.”

Ansu’s journey makes his perspective particularly meaningful. A product of La Masia, he represented Barcelona’s first team between 2019 and 2025 and was once viewed as one of the club’s most exciting prospects. 

His early years were filled with promise, goals, and responsibility well beyond his age. 

In total, he scored 29 goals for the Blaugrana, quickly establishing himself as a symbol of the club’s future.

However, his rise was disrupted by a series of serious injuries that halted his momentum at crucial moments. 

In search of rhythm and minutes, Fati spent the 2023–24 season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, where consistent playing time proved difficult to secure. 

Another loan move followed, this time to Monaco, offering a fresh environment and a new opportunity to rebuild confidence.