Lewandowski: “Real Madrid can’t find their own Lamine Yamal, it’s impossible”

Robert Lewandowski has never shied away from speaking his mind, and once again, the veteran striker has caused a stir with his latest remarks about the eternal rivals. In an exclusive interview with ESPN, the Barcelona forward openly expressed his belief that Real Madrid will not be able to replicate the extraordinary rise of Lamine Yamal, a teenager already being hailed as one of the brightest talents in world football.

Lewandowski’s words came just hours after Real Madrid presented their new signing, Franco Mastantuono, the 18-year-old midfielder from River Plate. Many at the Bernabéu are hoping the Argentine can follow a similar trajectory to Yamal and quickly establish himself as a global star. But for Lewandowski, comparisons between the two youngsters are misplaced.

“Real Madrid are under pressure to find their Lamine,” the Polish striker said. “I think it will be impossible, it’s better to go their own way. This kind of player is not born every day, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.”

The statement reflects the growing admiration inside Barcelona’s dressing room for Yamal, who has already taken Spanish football by storm. Barely out of his teenage years, he has become not only a regular starter for the Catalans but also a key figure for Spain on the international stage. His maturity, flair, and fearlessness in big matches have made him a genuine Ballon d’Or contender, despite his young age.

For Lewandowski, the uniqueness of Yamal goes beyond raw ability. “It’s not just about the talent; it’s also the pressure and expectations these young players have to face,” he added. “What Lamine is doing at 17 or 18 years old is something extremely rare. Very few players in history have been able to handle this level of responsibility and keep shining at the same time.”

His comments also serve as a subtle reminder of the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, both on and off the pitch. Los Blancos have long prided themselves on recruiting the world’s best young prospects, from Vinícius Júnior to Jude Bellingham. The signing of Mastantuono is seen as another attempt to stay ahead in the race for generational talents. Yet Lewandowski’s remarks suggest that, for now, Barcelona believe they hold the edge with Yamal.

The teenager’s meteoric rise has, in many ways, reignited Barcelona’s identity. La Masia, once the symbol of homegrown brilliance, had struggled in recent years to produce a superstar of the calibre of Messi, Xavi, or Iniesta. Yamal’s emergence has restored belief in the academy’s ability to shape the future, and his chemistry with senior players like Lewandowski has been a decisive factor in Barça’s resurgence.

Meanwhile, in Madrid, the pressure is indeed growing. The signing of Mastantuono was celebrated as a coup, but it also raised questions. Can the Argentine handle the weight of expectations that come with playing for Real Madrid? Can he truly emulate what Yamal has achieved so quickly at Barcelona? Lewandowski’s assessment makes clear that, in his eyes, such a comparison is unfair and even unrealistic.

Fans, of course, have been quick to react. Barcelona supporters have embraced Lewandowski’s statement as a badge of pride, seeing it as proof of Yamal’s rare greatness. On the other hand, many Madridistas argue that Real Madrid doesn’t need to “find their own Yamal,” since their history has always been about blending local talents with superstar signings from around the world.

Still, the psychological undertone of Lewandowski’s message cannot be ignored. In the never-ending battle for supremacy between the two giants of Spanish football, words can sting just as much as results. His declaration that “it’s impossible” for Madrid to replicate Yamal is bound to fuel debates, ignite rivalries, and add spice to an already heated La Liga season.

For Barcelona, however, the focus remains clear. Yamal is not just a prospect — he is their present and future. And if Lewandowski’s prediction comes true, the Blaugrana may have secured something money can’t buy: a once-in-a-generation jewel who could define an entire era.