FC Barcelona has always produced and developed some of football’s most well-renowned legends. La Blaugrana, both in the past and in the present, have been synonymous with some of the sport’s greatest players. Even today, Barcelona continues to try to keep that tradition alive.
Rivaldo, now aged 52, was once an icon of the sport who represented both Brazil and Barcelona at the highest level. Having won the Ballon D’or and the FIFA World Cup, he definitely knows what it is like to represent the biggest teams and win the biggest titles himself.
However, for even a name like Rivaldo, there is currently a player at Barcelona who he cannot seem to get enough of. That player is none other than Lamine Yamal, and as highlighted by SPORT, the Brazilian icon seems to see a bit of himself in the 17-year-old Barcelona wonderkid:
“At times, yes, because I used to step onto the field to enjoy football, with that joy… He has that same joy, he plays to enjoy it, he enjoys it, and so do the fans. He’s 17 years old but plays as if he were 26 or 27.”
Moreover, the former Barcelona forward believes that the €150 million-rated Spanish superstar will surely end up one day becoming the ‘best in the world’:
“He will surely be great, he already is; he’s doing an amazing job: he’s a European champion, doing well at Barcelona… But one day, he’ll be the best in the world.”
To add to that compliment, he believes that Yamal will surely end up winning the Ballon D’or himself one day, an award that Rivaldo is all too familiar with as well:
“Definitely. He has to keep working because it’s not easy, but if he continues doing things well as he is, he will surely win it.”
However, the former World Cup winner was also asked about the kind of tackles and rough challenges that the youngster has to deal with, and if special care must be taken of a talent
like him:
“We have to protect him because he’s a talented player. Football involves tough tackles, there are fouls, but not with violence or intent to injure. Referees need to be more attentive, not just for him but for everyone, including Vinicius or Rodrygo. Football isn’t about kicking; it’s about playing.”
For now, Rivaldo can continue to be hopeful about Yamal given the kind of unprecedented heights the youngster is setting up for himself. Already a European Champion, a Ballon D’or nominee, and a favorite for the Golden Boy award, there is essentially no achievement that would be too obnoxious for Lamine Yamal to aim for.
