Lamine Yamal: Can he handle the pressure? This is what Rivaldo thinks

Published New:28/07/2025 - 23:24h

Updated New:29/07/2025 - 04:34h

Rivaldo believes that Lamine Yamal should stay away from the media spotlight and focus exclusively on football

Vítor Borba Ferreira Gomes, Rivaldo, spoke with 'SPORT' about the current situation of Lamine Yamal. Although the FC Barcelona legend believes that the new azulgrana star is capable of dealing with the pressure of his meteoric rise to stardom, he believes that the Rocafonda native should try to stay away from the press spotlight.

"Unfortunately, these things happen, especially when you are so young and already so famous. Any attitude ends up having a greater impact because of age and media exposure," he said, referring to the controversy related to the winger's birthday party.

Rivaldo, concerned about the extra-sports rumors about Lamine

However, although Rivaldo believes that Lamine has "personality and football" to spare so that his new number does not weigh on him, he also said he feels concern about the rumors generated by his life off the field.

"Those of us who love football want Lamine to continue shining, to play well and stay away from controversies that could harm his career," said the former player, world champion with the 'canarinha' in 2002.

In that sense, he added: "What we want is to talk about what he does on the field, which is wonderful. So hopefully no more rumors come out, because that is annoying, it is sad. We just want to see him shine with the ball at his feet," Rivaldo pointed out about the Mataró native.

"We hope he reflects on everything he has built so far to avoid this type of situation. Lamine deserves to only be spoken well of, for the football he offers"

In addition, the former '10' culé also positively valued the signing of Marcus Rashford, whom he considers an excellent reinforcement. "He has everything to stand out and, even more so, with the great coach he will have by his side, that will help him a lot in his development," Rivaldo argued.

In his first minutes, the English international looked very comfortable on the left, forming a good partnership with Dani Olmo. However, the Manchester native can also be a very valuable replacement for Lamine Yamal, along with Roony Bardghji if, finally, the Swede convinces Hansi Flick to keep him on the team.

Lamine Yamal, ready to shine in Korea with Barça

Beyond the media noise about his birthday, Lamine joined Barça physically fit in the preseason. Although he could not add goals or assists against Vissel Kobe, the '10' hopes to shine on Thursday against FC Seoul in the second friendly of the Asian tour.

After his time in China in the final stretch of his vacations, the Mataró native has been one of the most sought after by Japanese fans before and after the match against Vissel. On Monday, during the day off given by Flick, the winger and the squad signed some autographs at the hotel where they stayed since their arrival last Friday.

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