“I Backed Off Immediately”: Villarreal Midfielder Gueye Reveals Hilarious Reason Why He Didn’t Want to Challenge Lamine Yamal

Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye has shared a hilarious and relatable story following his team’s 3-2 loss to Barcelona, centered around none other than Barça’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal.

Gueye came on as a substitute during the second half of the thrilling La Liga encounter, and like many others, he was completely dazzled by Yamal’s extraordinary skills. After the game, the Senegalese international spoke to Foot Mercato, where he openly praised the 17-year-old winger and shared a comical moment from their brief encounter on the pitch.

“Guys, Lamine Yamal is really just too good,” Gueye said with a smile. “At one point, he looked me straight in the eyes.” What happened next? Gueye admitted, “I thought to myself, ‘Ehhh, I don’t want to end up in a TikTok highlight,’ so I backed off immediately (laughs). I’m just trying to finish the season in peace.”

Fans across social media have found Gueye’s honesty refreshing, with many praising his humility and sense of humor. His remarks perfectly capture what many defenders and midfielders must be thinking when they face off against Yamal — a player already making waves at the highest level of football despite his young age.

Considering the brilliant goal Yamal scored in that match and how effortlessly he danced around Villarreal’s defense, Gueye’s fear of becoming an internet meme seems entirely justified. The young winger now boasts an incredible tally of 18 goals and 25 assists across all competitions this season — numbers that are almost unheard of for someone his age.

What’s more impressive is Yamal’s ability to remain consistent. Week after week, he’s not only dazzling fans but also earning the respect of his peers — even those playing against him. Gueye’s anecdote is just another example of how Lamine is not just impressing the crowd but also commanding respect on the pitch.

Yamal’s impact on the game has reached such a level that even seasoned professionals are thinking twice before engaging him one-on-one. His flair, quick feet, and unpredictability make him a nightmare to defend against, and Gueye was smart enough to read the warning signs early.

Social media quickly picked up on Gueye’s remarks, with fans jokingly thanking him for “staying safe” and avoiding the embarrassment many others have already experienced when trying to stop Yamal. Clips of Yamal’s tricks, goals, and humiliating dribbles are already flooding TikTok and Instagram — something Gueye clearly wanted no part of.

The moment adds another layer to the growing legend of Lamine Yamal — not only is he one of Europe’s most talented young stars, but he’s also creating stories that stick in the minds of both fans and fellow professionals.

As the season nears its end, Yamal continues to shine brighter, not just as a statistic machine, but as a true entertainer of the game — the kind of player who turns matches into memories and opponents into storytellers.

Gueye’s remarks might have been made in jest, but they underscore a serious truth: Lamine Yamal is not just good. He’s that good — and the whole footballing world, from fans to seasoned midfielders, knows it.