Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has received glowing praise from Zinedine Zidane, who says he’s “never seen anything like it.” The French legend calls Yamal a role model for all young players, while also addressing his own coaching future and the possibility of managing France.
Lamine Yamal has not only won over fans and analysts across the globe, but now counts one of football’s greatest ever players among his admirers.
Zinedine Zidane, the legendary former France international and Real Madrid coach, has joined the chorus of praise surrounding the Barcelona teenager, calling him a truly unique talent. The comments, made during a recent public appearance and reported by Marca, underline the growing belief that Yamal is not just a rising star, but a once-in-a-generation phenomenon.
Zidane, known for his composure, elegance, and vision during his own playing days, is not one to offer hyperbole lightly. His reaction to Yamal’s performances, particularly in the Champions League semi-finals against Inter, left no doubt about the level of impression the youngster has made. “When you watch him play… for example, in the semi-finals against Inter I’ve never seen anything like that in my life,” Zidane said. “He’s someone who has so much control on the pitch… It’s amazing to watch him. We all enjoy seeing him play.”
This is high praise from a man who played with and against some of the most iconic names in football history, and who coached the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and Karim Benzema during his highly successful time at Real Madrid. For Zidane to single out a 16-year-old with such conviction speaks volumes about Yamal’s impact not just as a footballer, but as a symbol of the new era.
Born in July 2007, Lamine Yamal has already smashed numerous records. He became the youngest player ever to appear for Barcelona’s senior team in La Liga, and also holds the record as the youngest goalscorer for both the club and the Spanish national team. What sets him apart, however, is not just his age, but the way he plays with a maturity, intelligence, and technical ability far beyond his years. He glides across the pitch with the poise of a veteran, effortlessly taking on defenders, picking out passes, and showing an instinct for the game that is incredibly rare, even among seasoned professionals.
Zidane continued his praise by highlighting Yamal’s influence on future generations. “That’s why, for all young players, Lamine is the one they should look up to,” he said. “He represents what’s possible when talent is combined with intelligence, dedication, and humility.” Coming from Zidane himself once considered the model for aspiring playmakers this recognition marks a significant moment in Yamal’s career.
Beyond his admiration for Yamal, Zidane also touched on his own future in football. Having been without a managerial role since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021, the French icon has often been linked to various top jobs, including the French national team. When asked about the prospect of one day leading Les Bleus, Zidane replied with his typical calm and respect: “France manager? Of course it’s a dream, but there is a coach and a team in place. We have to respect that, and that’s what we do. When the time comes and if the opportunity arises, it will be a pleasure.”
For now, Didier Deschamps remains firmly in charge of the French national side, having recently renewed his contract until 2026. But Zidane’s comments measured yet clear suggest he is keeping the door open, quietly awaiting the right opportunity to return to the sidelines.
Meanwhile, all eyes will remain firmly on Lamine Yamal, whose meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing. As Barcelona continues to build its next generation around homegrown talents like Yamal, and as Spain looks ahead to Euro 2024 and beyond, the teenager’s role in shaping both club and country’s fortunes could be immense.
Whether breaking records or earning the respect of legends like Zidane, Lamine Yamal is no longer just a name for the future. He is very much a force of the present and one that the entire football world is watching with awe.
