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Louis Saha, a former striker for Manchester United, Newcastle, and Tottenham Hotspur, has cautioned Lamine Yamal that he may never reach the legacy of Lionel Messi, citing a lack of the “obsession” for football that defines Cristiano Ronaldo. Saha expressed concern that Barcelona’s young talents have been under scrutiny for negative reasons this season, potentially squandering their potential.
Barcelona’s Defeat and Yamal’s Struggles
Yamal faced a challenging encounter against his Spain teammate Marc Cucurella during a recent match at Stamford Bridge, with Cucurella remarking, “I’m going to make things as difficult as possible for him.” Despite delivering goals and assists, Yamal’s performance appears to be diminishing, particularly after his diagnosis of pubic bone disease, which has hindered his ability to regain consistent form.
In recent months, Yamal has gained more attention for controversies than accomplishments, including backlash after celebrating his 18th birthday with an extravagant party and accusing rivals Real Madrid of unfair practices.
Warning About Wasting Talent
In a recent interview with OLBG, Saha raised alarms about Yamal’s rising fame potentially overshadowing his talent. He mentioned that only elite clubs like PSG or Manchester City could afford a £300m transfer fee for Yamal and expressed dismay at the prospect of him leaving Barcelona too soon. Saha emphasized the importance of Yamal developing and thriving at Barcelona instead of getting lost in media hype, recalling how Neymar’s career trajectory changed after leaving the club.
The Debate Over Yamal’s Future
Although Yamal has gained acclaim at just 18, comparisons to Messi abound. While some, including former Netherlands international Wesley Sneijder, believe Yamal could surpass Messi, Saha is skeptical, suggesting his path might resemble that of Neymar rather than that of football’s all-time greats. He remarked on Yamal’s lack of the relentless focus on football that characterizes top players like Ronaldo, expressing concern that distractions could hinder Yamal’s career, just as they did with Neymar.
Yamal’s Ambitious Goals
Despite the criticisms and pressures surrounding him, Yamal remains determined and ambitious. The Barcelona academy prodigy aims to capture the UEFA Champions League, World Cup, and Ballon d’Or. “I want everything. I want to achieve everything. As long as I can play, it’s possible,” he declared. Yamal sees individual accolades as reflections of team success and is committed to working hard to achieve his dreams.
Fan Take: This news matters to soccer enthusiasts because it highlights the immense pressure young talents face in the spotlight, raising questions about their development and potential. Yamal’s journey could significantly impact Barcelona’s future and set a precedent for how clubs nurture emerging stars amidst the relentless media scrutiny.

