Lamine Yamal did not choose Lionel Messi when asked which footballer he would like to be in another life.
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The Barcelona teenager has carried over his impressive form from Euro 2024 into this season, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists in 20 La Liga starts. ..Continue Reading
Yamal has also found the net twice in this season’s Champions League, with Barcelona set to face Benfica in the last 16.
At 17 years old, Yamal is expected to wear the iconic number 10 shirt for Barcelona next season, replacing his current number 19, which Messi also wore.
Despite following in the footsteps of the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner with his shirt numbers at Camp Nou, Yamal mentioned another Barcelona legend when asked, “If you were born again, which footballer would you like to be?”
In the interview with Mundo Deportivo, Yamal selected Santos star Neymar over the Inter Miami player.
This choice may not surprise fans, as Yamal had previously named Neymar as his footballing idol in a January interview with CNN Sport.
“I was five years old when I saw him at Santos but seven years old when I saw him in person at FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou,” Yamal began.
“It was incredible to see him. Yes, it’s true that Messi was there who was also incredible, but he was something totally different.
“Neymar has always been my idol. He’s a star, a football legend,” he explained.
The former Barcelona player has also weighed in on comparisons between himself and the youngster.
“Lamine Yamal is a great player,” Neymar said in a recent interview with eFootball via Konami.
“We obviously share some similar characteristics in our play style. I think he has everything to become one of the biggest football stars in the world.”
