The challenge that may shape Lamine Yamal’s rise

January 7, 2026 Oliver Obel

The conversation around football’s next generation often arrives early sometimes too early. For Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, praise has come quickly, along with comparisons that have followed almost every prodigy of the modern era.

As expectations rise, former Manchester United forward Dwight Yorke has warned that today’s biggest challenge for young stars may not come on the pitch.

Talent under constant exposure

Yamal’s ascent has been rapid by any standard. He joined Barcelona’s academy at seven and went on to become the youngest player to debut for the club in LaLiga, a milestone that placed him firmly under global scrutiny.

Before turning 18, the winger had already played a role in two LaLiga title-winning campaigns and lifted both the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup. That level of early success has inevitably led to comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the defining figures of the previous generation.

A different era for young players

Speaking to FootItalia, Yorke said the modern football environment presents challenges that did not exist when Messi and Ronaldo were emerging.

“Looking from the outside, you can't help but admire someone with Lamine Yamal's ability,” Yorke said. “However, with social media, there is no hiding place for these young kids anymore. That's just the nature of where we are in the world today and you've got to understand it.”

Yorke suggested that constant visibility can test a young player’s focus, particularly during formative years of development.

Focus as the separator

The former striker contrasted Yamal’s situation with the early careers of the Argentine and Portuguese icons.

“With Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, you didn't see them so much on social media. These young guys are everywhere,” Yorke said. “I think that if Yamal is getting distracted away from his soccer, that can be a real hurdle for him.”

He added that ability alone is not enough to guarantee long-term success at the elite level.

“He's young, he's learning, he's still developing. A kid is nowhere near his full potential yet. I think the next two to three years is where we will really start to find out if he's the real deal... There's no doubt he's got the full armoury of potential, like the greats. But that's just down to individuality.”

Writing his own story

Despite frequent comparisons, Yamal has previously said he does not aim to follow the path of Messi or Ronaldo, instead wanting to shape his career on his own terms, according to MARCA.

Barcelona recently moved to secure that future, tying the winger to the club until 2031 after he signed a new contract on his 18th birthday. He is now set to feature in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Athletic Bilbao on January 7 at King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia.

Sources: MARCA, FootItalia