Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has showered praise on Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid, Lamine Yamal, describing the 17-year-old as “unreal” and “not normal” in the context of modern football standards.
Yamal, who has rapidly become one of the most talked-about young talents in world football, continues to astonish fans, pundits, and fellow professionals alike with his composure, flair, and match-winning abilities — all before reaching adulthood. The Spanish international’s meteoric rise has drawn comparisons with legends of the game, including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and many believe he could be on track to surpass their early career exploits.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Saka could hardly contain his admiration for the teenage sensation. “He’s top. Honestly, doing what he is doing at his age, what can you say? He’s unreal,” the 22-year-old Gunners star said. “It’s not normal. No one does it. I don’t think I’ve seen that level for a 17-year-old, so credit to him.”
Record-Breaking Rise
Lamine Yamal’s journey has been nothing short of phenomenal. At just 17, he has already made 100 first-team appearances for FC Barcelona, a feat that even Messi did not achieve until he was nearly 21. In those 100 matches, Yamal has directly contributed to 49 goals—scoring and assisting across domestic and European competitions.
To put that in perspective, a young Messi had recorded 55 goal contributions in his first 100 games but did so at an older age. Cristiano Ronaldo, who was 19 by the time he reached the same milestone in appearances, had only managed 26 goals and assists combined.
This comparison highlights the unprecedented nature of Yamal’s breakthrough into top-tier football, especially in a team with the pedigree and pressure of FC Barcelona.
A Champions League Standout
Yamal’s latest jaw-dropping performance came in Barcelona’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night. The winger was a constant menace on the flank, displaying dazzling footwork, maturity in decision-making, and an instinctive understanding of space—characteristics that are rare even among seasoned professionals.
Despite his young age, Yamal played the full 90 minutes in one of the most high-stakes fixtures of the season, demonstrating his growing influence in Xavi Hernandez’s squad. With each passing game, he solidifies his status as an integral part of the team, capable of making decisive contributions on the biggest stages.
Admiration from Across the Footballing World
Saka is not the only star to have sung Yamal’s praises. Numerous football legends and analysts have weighed in on the teenager’s rapid ascent. Barcelona head coach Xavi has often reiterated his belief in Yamal’s exceptional potential, while former players like Andres Iniesta and Thierry Henry have also tipped him for greatness.
But it is Saka’s words that resonate strongly because they come from a fellow young talent who understands the weight of expectations and the pressures of performing at the highest level from an early age.
Saka himself has emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest stars in recent years, playing a crucial role for both Arsenal and the England national team. His comments reflect a growing recognition that Yamal is not merely a future star — he is already operating at an elite level.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Yamal’s statistical output supports the hype. With 49 direct goal contributions in his first century of games, he ranks among the most productive teenagers in modern football history. His ability to consistently deliver goals and assists while playing in multiple attacking roles makes him a unique asset for Barcelona.
Beyond the numbers, it’s Yamal’s technical quality, tactical intelligence, and mental resilience that have most impressed observers. He combines blistering pace with precise ball control, visionary passing, and a calmness in front of goal that belies his age.
More to Come
With Barcelona in a transitional phase and eager to build a new era around its academy graduates, Yamal is expected to be a cornerstone of the club’s future. Already capped at the international level by Spain, he is tipped to feature prominently in this summer’s UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.
Football fans around the world are now watching closely, eager to see how far this extraordinary young talent can go. If early signs are anything to go by, Lamine Yamal could well be the next global superstar of the beautiful game.
Conclusion
As Bukayo Saka aptly put it, Lamine Yamal’s rise is “not normal.” In a sport where talent is abundant but true greatness is rare, Yamal is emerging as a generational player with the potential to define an era. While comparisons to Messi and Ronaldo are inevitable, the young winger seems determined to carve out a legacy of his own—one spectacular performance at a time.
With the footballing world at his feet and legends already hailing his brilliance, the journey of Lamine Yamal is one every fan will want to follow.
