“Yes, Messi was there who was also incredible, but he was totally different" - Lamine Yamal names ex-Barcelona star as his 'idol'

Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has named former Blaugrana superstar Neymar Jr. as his idol over Lionel Messi. Neymar played for the Catalan side between 2013 and 2017, contributing 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 appearances across competitions.

Neymar moved to Barcelona from Santos FC for a reported €88 million in 2013. Alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Neymar formed one of the greatest attacking trios in football at the club. He won nine titles with Barca, including one UEFA Champions League title, two LaLiga titles, and three Copas del Rey. He was also a part of their 2014-15 treble-winning squad.

In 2017, the Brazilian superstar left the Catalan side to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a record €222 million transfer fee. After six successful seasons in Paris, Neymar signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023. Often considered among the best footballers of all time, it comes as no surprise that many young players idolize him today.

In an interview with CNN, Barcelona star Lamine Yamal expressed his admiration for Neymar and named him his idol. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):

"Neymar has always been my idol… a star, a legend. I was five years old when I saw Neymar at Santos… and 7 years old when I saw him at Camp Nou. It was incredible! Yes, Messi was there who was also incredible but Ney was totally different."

At a young age, Lamine Yamal has risen to become one of Barcelona's most promising young talents. The 17-year-old won the Golden Boy Award and the Kopa Trophy in 2024. His exceptional ball control, creative assists, and dribbling skills have often led to comparisons with Blaugrana legends such as Lionel Messi and his idol Neymar Jr.

---

"These comparisons sometimes don't help" - When Barcelona star Lamine Yamal made feelings clear about Lionel Messi comparisons

Lamine Yamal - Source: Getty

In an interview with Spanish outlet MARCA, Lamine Yamal was asked about being frequently compared to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. The Spaniard hailed the Argentine superstar as the best in history but said:

"It's an honor, but I'm trying to write my own story. Messi is the best in history, I'm still taking my first steps. These comparisons sometimes don't help."

Lamine Yamal's comparisons with the Albiceleste legend often arise from their individual impact on a game and creative playmaking skills. Moreover, the La Masia graduate usually plays as a right winger - a position Messi excelled in for a large part of his career.

Much like the former Blaugrana ace, Yamal rose from the ranks of Barca's youth academy, La Masia. In a 2023 interview with L'Equipe, La Pulga himself tipped the youngster to win the coveted Ballon d'Or one day. It remains to be seen whether Yamal can live up to the Argentine's legacy, but it may be too soon for such comparisons.