Former Real Madrid star David Beckham has said that Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal could one day reach the same heights as Lionel Messi.
Yamal burst onto the scene last season with FC Barcelona and has taken his game to another level this year. The Spanish international has become a key fixture in the Catalan starting lineup, with 15 goals and 24 assists in 51 appearances so far this season.
At just 17 years old, the young winger has already claimed European glory and lifted both the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup with the Blaugrana—achievements reminiscent of Messi’s early rise. Unsurprisingly, comparisons to the Argentine legend are growing louder.
Speaking on Beckham & Friends, as cited by The Mirror, the former England captain said Yamal is “the closest thing” to Lionel Messi today. “When you watch him play, and at 17 doing what he does on the field—it’s only every 20, 30 years that a player like that comes along, maybe even longer,” Beckham said.
“He’s the first player I’ve seen where you think… I mean, you can’t compare anyone to Messi, in my opinion. But he’s the closest I’ve ever seen. One day, I truly believe he could be as good as Leo,” he added.
Lamine Yamal is currently under contract with Barça until 2026 but is expected to sign a new deal once he turns 18 this summer.