Lamine Yamal has had a 2024/25 season in which, if anyone had any doubts about his abilities, he has completely dispelled them. The player from Rocafonda jumped to stardom as one of the best players in the world, adding 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches. In turn, he was a key piece for FC Barcelona and has left a feeling of stellar superiority on the field.
The '19' is that player who, when the ball reaches his feet, does not hesitate to demonstrate his talent with a dribble, a creative and inventive gesture, a precise pass or one of his already characteristic shots from medium or long distance, facing from the right towards the center and taking his 'whiplash' with his left leg. His impact is so forceful that, at his young age, he has already entered the debate for a possible Ballon d'Or in 2025.
Such is the level that Lamine Yamal is showing that great exponents of world football have publicly expressed their admiration for his talent. The most recent has been none other than Zinedine Zidane, legend of Real Madrid and the French national team. 'Zizou', in his last public appearance, during an Adidas event on the Champs-Élysées avenue, in the heart of Paris, allowed himself to talk about the talented youth player from Barça in a contact with 'FootMercato'.
Lamine Yamal and a Champions League exhibition that impressed even Zidane
Zidane took the opportunity to highlight Lamine Yamal's performance in the 'semis' of the UEFA Champions League against Inter Milan. Although Barcelona did not make it to the final, the 'spicy' right winger left an unforgettable impression, especially in the first leg at Montjuïc, where he led the Barça comeback:
"When you see him play, for example, the second half he played against Inter in the Champions League semi-finals, I have never seen anything like it in my life. It's impressive to see someone who masters his craft in that way on the field," he began by saying.
The Frenchman enjoys the game of the '19' culé: "It was fabulous to see him like that"
Likewise, the former coach of Real Madrid did not hide how much he enjoys watching Lamine Yamal play: "It was quite fabulous to see him like that. That's why we all enjoy it, and that's why, for all these young people... well, they already have Lamine. Everyone has their moment, and that's very good. Actually, what has always motivated me is the game itself. Because first we grew up in a neighborhood, with friends," he concluded.
This is how another figure from the world of football speaks who surrenders to the quality of a Lamine Yamal who is just about to turn 18 years old. There are still aspects to mature in his game, so it would not be strange if his performance continues to grow over the years.
He may be the next great star of world football, a role that Barça knows he could assume naturally. Therefore, they plan to make him the axis of their sports project, not only in the present, but also looking towards the future.
'Zizou' also spoke about his future: will he be the coach of France?
In another order of ideas, and without direct relation to Lamine Yamal, in that same intervention Zidane also spoke about his intentions to return to the bench soon. He even dared to insinuate what his next destination could be: "I have put my career a little on pause, but I feel completely a coach 100%. As I feel legitimate with the French national team, where I played and was practically 12, 13 or 14 years as a player. Of course it is a desire, I want to. But now there is a coach in charge, there is a team, you have to respect all that, and that is what we do. I have always respected football and people, so, well, it is not exactly the moment. But when the time comes, it will be with great pleasure if the opportunity arises," concluded the Frenchman.