Claude Makélélé chooses the best player of the 2025 UCL: “Lamine Yamal or Pedri? Pedri.”

Claude Makélélé, a legendary figure in world football and one of the most influential defensive midfielders in history, has stirred debate across the football world after sharing his thoughts on who is shining brightest in the 2025 UEFA Champions League. In a recent interview with Spanish media, the former Real Madrid and Chelsea star was clear and decisive.

In a rapid-fire round of player comparisons, Makélélé was asked to choose between two players in each case. His responses came effortlessly, but one answer in particular made headlines around the globe: “Lamine Yamal or Pedri? Pedri.”

This declaration has been widely interpreted as a sign of deep respect and admiration for the young midfielder from FC Barcelona. While 17-year-old Lamine Yamal has received global acclaim for his explosive performances in the Champions League, Makélélé believes Pedri remains the most complete player at the moment.

Before reaching that pivotal comparison, Makélélé was asked about Yamal in relation to other global stars. His answers: “Lamine Yamal or Lautaro Martínez? Lamine Yamal. Lamine Yamal or Achraf Hakimi? Lamine Yamal.” These choices confirm the rising status of the teenage sensation but also elevate the significance of choosing Pedri over him.

Makélélé didn’t hold back in praising Yamal: “He has something you can’t teach. That burst of pace, the vision… he plays like he’s 28, not 17. But Pedri is something else entirely. He’s the conductor of the orchestra.”

He emphasized that Pedri’s influence on the pitch goes beyond statistics. His game intelligence, calmness, and ability to orchestrate play from the center of the park are rare qualities that elevate him above the rest. “What Pedri does is subtle. He doesn’t need goals to be decisive. He connects everything. He’s the perfect balance of brains, technique, and discipline.”

The 2025 Champions League has been the perfect stage for both of these Barcelona stars to showcase their brilliance. Yamal has delivered unforgettable performances—scoring crucial goals and delivering key assists—helping Barcelona advance to the latter stages of the tournament. His emergence has been nothing short of sensational.

Yet, it’s Pedri who has quietly and consistently dictated the tempo of matches. Coaches, analysts, and even rival players have praised his composure, decision-making, and ability to control games. In high-pressure situations, Pedri has proven himself as the heartbeat of the team.

Makélélé, a master of midfield control during his playing days, knows better than most the value of a player who can manage rhythm, space, and transitions. That’s why his endorsement carries such weight. “For me, the best player in this Champions League is Pedri. Yamal will be a legend, but Pedri is already there.”

His comments have sparked widespread discussion across social media. Fans are torn—some enchanted by Yamal’s electrifying impact, others grounded in their appreciation of Pedri’s footballing IQ and consistency. Some have even compared this new debate to the historic Messi vs. Iniesta conversations of Barcelona’s golden era.

Regardless of personal preference, what’s undeniable is that Barcelona has struck gold with two of the most talented players of their generation. Yamal symbolizes the future—full of flair and boldness—while Pedri represents the present, with wisdom beyond his years.

Makélélé also stressed the importance of nurturing both players. “If the club manages them correctly, they could define an era. One breaks the lines and terrifies defenders. The other thinks three steps ahead and builds the play. You don’t see many pairings like that in football anymore.”

This synergy between the two is already forming, with Pedri assisting Yamal on several occasions this season and displaying a chemistry that could become legendary in the years to come.

As the Champions League unfolds, fans and pundits alike will continue to debate the Yamal vs. Pedri dilemma. But for Makélélé, the verdict is clear: Pedri remains the gold standard, the silent general who brings order to chaos.

And when someone like Claude Makélélé speaks—someone who redefined a role and earned global respect—the football world listens and takes notice.