The Barcelona No 9 has played 100 games and dazzled at the biggest stages before turning 18
Gary Neville has heaped praise on Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, declaring the 17-year-old the best teenage footballer in the last 50 years.
Speaking on Stick to Football, the former Manchester United and England full-back was emphatic in his assessment of the young winger’s early career achievements.
“I think Yamal could be the best teenager we’ve seen in the last 30, 40, 50 years,” said Neville. “To win the Euros with Spain last year, to do what he’s doing now, 100 games by 17.”
Yamal has racked up five goals and four assists in 13 Champions League appearances this season, an astonishing return for a player not yet legally an adult. He was also instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, scoring once and providing four assists.
“He’s got 100 games under his belt, he’s won a Euros, played at 16 in a European Championship,” Neville said.
“I don’t think there’s anybody who’s had that impact in the last 30, 40 years as a teenager. I can’t think of anybody.”
Neville’s remarks come just days before Barcelona face Real Madrid at Montjuic in a high-stakes clásico. With Barcelona four points ahead of their rivals at the top of La Liga, a win could all but seal the title for Hansi Flick’s side, while a Madrid victory would blow the race wide open.
Yamal, who produced two assists in the Copa del Rey final win over Real Madrid in April, will be expected to play a key role against Los Blancos again on Sunday.
