Croatian discourages comparisons of teenager with Messi, Surarez or Neymar
Former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has urged Lamine Yamal to stay grounded and learn to handle the pressure of the football world.
Yamal at 18 is one of Europe’s most admired and discussed young talents. He was a key player in the Barcelona side that won a domestic treble last season, and before that he played a major role as Spain won Euro 2024. He also finished second in the Ballon d’Or awards, behind PSG’s Ousmane Dembele.
However, Yamal has struggled this season, particularly with a groin issue called pubalgia, which has sparked tensions between Barcelona and Spain and given rise to conversations about the need to protect the teenager from playing too many games.
Rakitic understands the burden elite footballers bear. He spent six seasons at Barcelona and was part of the 2015 treble-winning side, playing alongside Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, some of the most talented footballers the world has ever known.
The Croatian praised Yamal’s rapid development but warned that being an elite footballing talent brings its own set of challenges.
“It’s all going in the right direction, and he has become aware that football has its downsides, such as injuries and the pressure he faces,” Rakitic said.
He also discouraged comparisons of Yamal with Messi, Suarez and Neymar.
“I think he has to follow his own path,” said Rakitic. “I wouldn’t compare him to those three. Barcelona and Spain have something special in him, and we all need to help him learn to handle the pressure. He is a truly special player.”
