Yamal’s Meteoric Rise: A New Era in Football

omidbasir- Yamal made a striking entrance into competitive football, debuting for Barcelona at the tender age of 15. While many young athletes often find the transition to senior-level play challenging, Yamal has exceeded expectations, quickly making a name for himself on the global stage.

On his 18th birthday, he signed a lucrative contract and took on the prestigious No. 10 jersey at Camp Nou, a number famously worn by Blaugrana legend Lionel Messi. Embracing the weight of this responsibility, Yamal has consistently maintained high individual standards, suggesting that he will continue to set personal records in the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Last season, Yamal netted 18 goals across all competitions, and he has already achieved 15 this term, along with 12 assists in 31 appearances. Barcelona frequently looks to him for inspiration in crucial moments. His accolades already include La Liga and European Championship titles with both his club and country, and he recently added Spanish Super Cup glory to his collection. He remains in pursuit of a Champions League title in 2026.

Yamal was the runner-up in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting, with predictions indicating he could secure multiple Golden Balls in the future, akin to Messi’s record-breaking achievements. His skill and agility have established him as one of the most exciting forwards in global football, leaving defenders anxious and unsure.

Laporte, who has witnessed Yamal’s abilities firsthand with the Spanish national team, remarked, “With the ball at his feet, it’s extraordinary. No left-back in the world would dare say ‘come on, dribble me.’ Everyone is apprehensive and tends to back down defensively.”

He likened Yamal’s one-on-one situations to those that Messi faced, with defenders wondering what he would do next—whether he would cut, accelerate, retreat, or shoot from distance.

Despite the frequent comparisons to Messi, Yamal is keen to carve his own path. He has stated, “I believe Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer of all time, but he recognizes that I am a strong player in my own right. We will have mutual respect when facing each other. I’m not trying to be him or play like him; I want to follow my own journey.”

Yamal’s impressive development signals a bright future, with Barcelona and Spain hopeful that he will remain injury-free as the season progresses. If he can stay healthy, he will be a key player in Spain’s quest for World Cup success this summer. Laporte, having returned to Athletic Club after spending two years with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, also hopes to be selected for Luis de la Fuente’s squad.