Robert Lewandowski praises Lamine Yamal: “I’ve never seen a player like him”

At the end of a spectacular season for FC Barcelona, veteran striker Robert Lewandowski has taken a moment to reflect on the incredible rise of Lamine Yamal — the teenage sensation who has taken Europe by storm. Speaking with heartfelt admiration, the Polish forward did not hold back in his praise for the youngster, who has become one of the most exciting prospects in world football.

“When Lamine Yamal came to train with us for the first time, he was only 15 years old,” Lewandowski recalled, visibly impressed. “I’ve never seen a player like him, especially at that age. The maturity he displays — on and off the pitch — is just astonishing. It’s like he was born to play at this level.”

Lewandowski, a Ballon d’Or finalist and one of the most experienced forwards in the game, has played alongside elite talents across Germany, Poland, and Spain. But even with all that experience, he admits Yamal’s debut left a lasting impression. “The first touches, the vision, his movement — he didn’t look like a kid making his debut. He looked like someone who’d been doing it for years.”

The Polish striker noted that what sets Yamal apart isn’t just his raw talent but also his football IQ. “Tactically, he’s ahead of his years. He reads the game like a seasoned professional. It’s not something you see often — and certainly not at 15 or 16.”

As Yamal has transitioned from La Masia prodigy to a key figure in the first team, Lewandowski believes the process was remarkably seamless. “He didn’t need to adapt. We adapted to him,” Lewandowski said with a smile. “He brought something fresh to the squad. We knew from the start that we could grow together.”

Despite all the early accolades, Lewandowski remains realistic. The spotlight can be harsh, especially for someone so young. “Playing at 17 is not the same as playing at 18 or 19,” he cautioned. “Next season, teams will know him better. Defenders will be more aggressive. He has to keep evolving — both physically and mentally.”

One key piece of advice Lewandowski has for Yamal is learning when to rest. “He’s had an intense season, emotionally and physically. The temptation will be to keep going non-stop, but rest is crucial. You can’t maintain peak performance without recovery.”

Yamal, who recently committed his future to Barcelona despite rumors of interest from other European giants, has shown no signs of letting pressure affect him. According to Lewandowski, that’s another sign of greatness. “He’s calm under pressure. He’s focused. It’s a rare mindset, even among senior professionals.”

Lewandowski also credited Barcelona’s dressing room culture for supporting Yamal’s development. “There’s a good group around him. Myself, Raphinha, even someone like Ter Stegen — we all speak to him. He listens. That’s a huge asset for someone so young.”

The veteran striker takes a personal interest in mentoring younger players. “I spend time talking to my teammates about movement, positioning — things that seem small but matter a lot. Football is about chemistry. The better we understand each other, the more dangerous we become on the pitch.”

Lewandowski’s words highlight a deeper truth: Yamal isn’t just a talented teenager — he’s becoming a symbol of Barcelona’s future. With Xavi’s departure and the arrival of Hansi Flick, the Catalan club is transitioning, and Yamal is expected to be one of the cornerstones of the new era.

Off the pitch, Lewandowski sees Yamal as humble and hungry. “He’s always asking questions, watching footage, studying the game. He wants to be better every day. That’s the mindset of a champion.”

The former Bayern Munich star also believes Yamal can become a global icon if he stays focused. “There are many young players with talent. But to go from talent to legend — that’s about discipline, sacrifice, and mental strength. Lamine has all three.”

As for comparisons with other young stars of the past, Lewandowski is cautious. “He’s not the next Messi, or the next Neymar. He’s the first Lamine Yamal. Let’s allow him to write his own story.”

Barcelona fans have already embraced Yamal, chanting his name at the Camp Nou and flooding social media with compilations of his dribbles and assists. The excitement is real — and growing with each performance.

With Euro 2025 and a new La Liga campaign on the horizon, the world will be watching. But with the guidance of veterans like Lewandowski and the stability of a club that believes in him, Lamine Yamal seems more than ready to carry the weight of expectation.

One thing is clear: Lewandowski’s praise isn’t just a compliment. It’s a warning to the football world. A new star has arrived — and he’s only just getting started.