Lamine Yamal has emerged as a remarkable talent in the world of football, surpassing early career milestones set by iconic players Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo before his 18th birthday on July 13. As a key figure for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, Yamal’s impressive goal and assist records have set him apart from the stars he is often compared to, signaling a new era of football excellence.
While Ronaldo and Messi have dominated football for over a decade, amassing 13 Ballon d’Or awards between them and tallying more than 800 goals and 200 assists during their storied European careers, Yamal’s rapid rise has garnered widespread attention. The young winger’s 25 goals and 34 assists for Barcelona, alongside six goals and nine assists in 21 appearances for Spain, already exceed the achievements of Messi and Ronaldo before they reached the same age.
Comparing Early Careers: Yamal, Messi, and Ronaldo
When Messi turned 18 in June 2005, he had scored just one goal in nine appearances for Barcelona and had not yet debuted internationally. Ronaldo, meanwhile, had made a promising start with Sporting Lisbon, scoring five goals in 19 games by his 18th birthday in February 2003. In contrast, Yamal’s record reflects a more advanced stage of development, with over 100 appearances and an impressive contribution to his teams by 17.
Yamal’s early impact suggests he could continue competing at the highest levels for many years, potentially redefining what it means to be a young phenom in professional football. His current trajectory invites comparisons to both Messi and Ronaldo, though his continued growth will reveal the extent to which he can rewrite football history.
Manchester United Legend Rio Ferdinand’s High Praise
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who played alongside Ronaldo for several seasons, has expressed strong admiration for Yamal’s talent. After watching Yamal score in Barcelona’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg, Ferdinand emphasized how advanced Yamal’s abilities are compared to Ronaldo and Messi at a similar age.
“It’s just ridiculous what he’s done. His ability to take people on… He’s an artist. At this age, he’s ahead of Cristiano, he’s ahead of Messi. His stats alone – he’s had 100 appearances at 17! These guys were nowhere near that and he’s dominating games, he’s defining games.”
—Rio Ferdinand, Former Manchester United Defender
The Road Ahead for Lamine Yamal
Looking forward, Yamal’s next public appearance will be during Barcelona’s preseason friendly against Japanese side Vissel Kobe on July 27, marking the start of the 2025-26 campaign. As he continues to mature and refine his game, both fans and critics will closely observe how his career unfolds compared to the legends he is already outpacing.
The exceptional early achievements of Yamal not only elevate expectations for his future but also highlight the evolving landscape of football, where new stars are redefining the standards set by previous generations. His rapid ascent embodies hope for fans and a shift in how young talent can impact the game at the highest levels.