Spain’s Lamine Yamal reacts during a semifinal match between Spain and France at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Munich, Germany, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Left Spain’s Rodri. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Spanish star Lamine Yamal loves being compared to Brazilian Neymar, and even tries emulating him blessed as he is with blistering pace, close ball control and clinical finishing. Speaking to CNN, ahead of confirming he would stay at Barcelona, Yamal also explained why he always idolised Neymar.
“I was five years old when I saw Neymar at Santos, but seven years old when I saw him in person at FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou,” he told CNN, adding, “It was incredible to see him. Yes, it’s true that (Lionel) Messi was there who was also incredible, but Neymar was something totally different. Neymar has always been my idol. He’s a star, a football legend.”
Yamal was speaking to CNN on sidelines of winning the Emerging Player Award at the recent Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he said he hoped to continue his stint with his club, Barca. “I don’t know when (the contract will be signed), but I believe it’ll be soon,” said the 17-year-old. “In the end, Barça is the club of my life. I hope to renew my contract with them and to be with them as long as possible. I want to play in the Spanish league. I want to play for Barça, and yes, I will renew my contract. I will,” he was quoted as saying by CNN.
When asked if he believed the Catalans could win La Liga this season, Yamal told CNN: “Of course. No question. In the end, La Liga will be won against the teams we’ve previously lost to. I think it’s about focus. We’ve shown in the important moments that we are the best and we’ll continue to do so.”
Barcelona last made the Champions League final 10 years ago beating Juventus, where the famed ‘MSN’ trio, rumoured to be reunited in USA, Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar, guided them to a fifth European crown.
Yamal also told CNN working with manager Hansi Flick was “different.”
“We’ve looked to adapt to what he’s told us, and I think we’re doing it well. In 2025, we’ll give it our all to win trophies, starting with the Spanish Super Cup and hopefully, it will be the best year of our lives,” he was quoted by CNN.
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