Young Phenom Lamine YamalSteals the Spotlight at 17, Outshining Messi and Ronaldo
Bukayo Saka Praises Lamine Yamal: Exceptional, According to Saka
Bukayo Saka, the Arsenal winger, can't help but marvel at Barcelona's prodigious talent, Lamine Yamal. At merely 17 years old, Yamal has turned heads with his remarkable feats on the pitch, earning praise from none other than Saka himself.
The source of Saka's admiration lies in the extraordinary performances that Yamal has demonstrated since his debut with the first team. Even though he won't celebrate his 18th birthday until the summer, Yamal has already notched an impressive 100 appearances for FC Barcelona.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Saka expressed his astonishment, exclaiming, "He's freaking incredible! Honestly, doing what he is doing at his age, what can you say, he's something else. It's not normal. No one does it. I don't think I've seen that level for a 17-year-old, so kudos to him."
Yamal's skill was on full display during the thrilling Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan, where he played a pivotal role in a riveting 3-3 draw, solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest rising stars in world football.
Remarkably, Yamal's career trajectory has already surpassed that of legendary figures Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at a similar stage.
By amassing an impressive 49 combined goals and assists through his first 100 games, Yamal has outdone Messi, who had 55 contributions, by reaching that milestone nearly three years earlier. Conversely, 19-year-old Ronaldo had managed only 26 goals and assists in his opening century of professional matches, highlighting just how exceptional Yamal's early career has been.
A Closer Look at the Prodigies
Lamine Yamal at 17:
- Achievements: Yamal has made history by becoming the youngest starter for Barcelona, the youngest player to record an assist, and the youngest to score for Barcelona and in La Liga[3]. He claimed the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award in 2025[1][2]. In the 2024 European Championships, he became the youngest participant and won the tournament[2].
- Performance: Yamal has significantly contributed to Barcelona's success, racking up six goals and 12 assists in La Liga and three goals in the Champions League[2]. He also broke records, such as becoming the youngest goalscorer in El Clásico history[3].
Lionel Messi at 17:
- Achievements: Messi made his professional debut for Barcelona at 16 but was still refining his abilities at 17. He played in the 2004-05 season, scoring his first goal against Albacete on May 1, 2005. Messi's formative years were marked by rapid growth and promise, though he wasn't yet a dominant force.
- Performance: By the time Messi was 17, he had already begun gaining recognition, though his breakthrough year was more around 18-19 years old.
Cristiano Ronaldo at 17:
- Achievements: Ronaldo joined Manchester United at 18 after spending his early career with Sporting CP. At 17, he was still playing for Sporting CP, where he attracted attention with his speed and skill. His breakthrough in the top leagues came after moving to Manchester United.
- Performance: Ronaldo's early career was marked by potential, but he wasn't yet a superstar until his late teens and early twenties.
Comparison:
- Developmental Pace: Yamal's achievements at 17 are outstanding, demonstrating an immediate impact on Barcelona and Spain's national team. Messi was also quite young when he started but became a formidable force slightly later. Ronaldo's breakthrough came later in his career, following his move to Manchester United.
- Impact on Team: Yamal has swiftly become a key player for Barcelona, making a significant contribution to their success. Messi's influence grew over time, while Ronaldo's impact was more pronounced after his move to Manchester United.
- Awards and Recognition: Yamal's early recognition with the Laureus award is a testament to his immediate impact on the sport. Messi accumulated numerous awards but at a slightly older age. Ronaldo also had a more gradual rise to prominence.
In conclusion, Lamine Yamal's accomplishments at 17 are truly impressive, demonstrating an early impact that rivals or even eclipses the developmental pace of Messi and Ronaldo at similar stages. His rapid ascent to the top is a testament to his potential and the high expectations placed upon him.
- Lamine Yamal's football career in European leagues, specifically LaLiga, has been nothing short of exceptional, as he has already surpassed the achievements of legendary players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at a similar age.
- At just 17, Lamine Yamal's feats in sports, such as becoming the youngest player to score for Barcelona and in La Liga, have earned him awards like the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award.
- Bukayo Saka, the Arsenal winger, has praised Lamine Yamal, stating that he finds Yamal's performances in football, particularly in high-stakes matches like the Champions League, to be incredible and unprecedented for a player of his age.
