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Having developed as a La Masia’s youth player, Lamine Yamal has become one of the finest young prospects of this generation.
News18
Lamine Yamal will surpass everyone, including Lionel Messi, a Barcelona official has proclaimed. The teenage star has been one of Barcelona’s most talented finds in recent times. The 17-year-old has already produced some iconic performances for both Spain and Barcelona.
Now, Andrea Mancini, part of Barcelona’s sporting department under director Deco, has said: “I am looking for new Lamine Yamals,” as per 90min.
“The club’s challenge is to get at least four or five children from La Masia into the first-team every year. And the challenge is met every year. Look at Yamal, it’s easy to say, but he’s been here for three years now. He will become stronger than everyone, even Messi,” Andrea, the son of Italian legend Roberto Mancini, added.
Having developed as a La Masia’s youth player, Yamal has become one of the finest young prospects of this generation. This, quite unsurprisingly, has drawn comparisons between him and Lionel Messi. Yamal has already won the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy Award as Europe’s best player under the age of 21.
Yamal has already scored 11 goals in 31 games for the Catalan giants so far this season. His current deal, which includes a €1 billion ($1b) release clause, with Barcelona will expire in June 2026. Earlier this year in January, Yamal said he would sign a new contract with the La Liga giants.
“I don’t know when (the contract will be signed), but I believe it’ll be soon. In the end, Barca is the club of my life. I hope to renew my contract with them and to be with them as long as possible,” Lamine Yamal had told CNN Sport.
Yamal joined Barcelona in 2014. He rose through the academy and became the youngest player to ever play for the club, making his debut at the age of 15 in 2023. In international football, Yamal has represented Spain 17 times. He was a key member of the Spanish side that won the European Championship in 2024.
