Lamine Yamal surprised everyone by picking Lionel Messi as his football ‘idol’. Instead, the Barcelona star picked Neymar as the only footballer who inspired him since he was ‘completely different’.
In today’s football, Messi and Neymar stand out as true greats. However, when all is said and done, the Argentine will be regarded as the better player. That is no reflection on the Brazilian, as many believe Messi is the finest athlete to have ever played the sport.
Cristiano Ronaldo is another name that comes up frequently when discussing who the best modern footballers are. On that aspect, those associated with Barcelona always choose Messi. This is why many may be surprised to learn that La Masia graduate Yamal preferred Neymar above the 37-year-old Inter Miami player.
Lamine Yamal identifies Neymar as a football idol
“He’s a star, a football legend”
In an interview with CNN, Yamal recalled first seeing Neymar when he was five years old. Two years later, he got to see him in person dazzling for Barcelona. Despite calling Messi “incredible”, he revealed why Neymar was his idol, saying:
“I was five years old when I watched him at Santos, but I was seven when I saw him in person at FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou.
“It was amazing to see him. Yes, (Lionel) Messi was there, and he was fantastic, but he was something else entirely.
“Neymar was always my idol. He’s a superstar, a football icon.”
Many have praised Yamal as the ‘next Messi’, and while we’ve heard those claims before (often early), it appears like the teenager may be able to live up to the hype. After helping Spain win Euro 2024 and continuing his excellent form the following season, the 17-year-old is already receiving Ballon d’Or nominations – and will undoubtedly be a front-runner for many years to come.
Furthermore, Messi has said that the Barcelona player reminds him of himself when he was younger, saying: “If I had to choose someone, because of the age and the future that he has, I’ve heard that they have chosen Lamine Yamal, and without a question [it’s him] for me, too.
“I agree it depends on him and many things because that’s how football is, but he’s the present and without a doubt has a huge future.”
Despite the apparent similarities to Messi, Yamal clearly feels more associated with Neymar. While this may surprise some fans, his teammates may not be as astonished. After all, Raphinha claimed that Yamal’s style of play resembles the Brazilian more than anyone else, stating:
“I see him more like Neymar in terms of dribbling and decision-making speed. When you believe you can steal the ball from him, he does something you’ve never seen before.
If Yamal can achieve the same level as Neymar at Barcelona, he will have a very exceptional career. If he can match Messi’s performance, he could be remembered as the greatest footballer of all time.
