The teenager everyone wants to compare to Ronaldo just shut it down

December 30, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

A message delivered in Dubai

Speaking after being named Best Forward of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards, Lamine Yamal addressed the growing comparisons surrounding his rapid rise. According to Fabrizio Romano, who reported his comments from the ceremony in Dubai, the teenager urged restraint when measuring his career against established legends.

“It’s best not to compare yourself to anyone,” Yamal said.

He pointed to Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of individuality rather than a benchmark to chase, explaining that the Portuguese forward built his legacy by focusing on his own strengths rather than external comparisons.

“Players like Cristiano Ronaldo did what they did because they wanted to be themselves and not compare themselves to others,” Yamal added.

“I want to build my own path.”

Records that defy his age

Yamal’s comments come amid a run of achievements that underline why comparisons have followed him so early. According to AFP and official tournament data, he featured and scored at Euro 2024 at the age of 16, becoming the youngest player to achieve both feats, before lifting the trophy with Spain shortly after turning 17.

Less than 18 months later, he finished runner up for the 2025 Ballon d’Or and claimed two prizes at the Globe Soccer Awards, Best Forward and the Diego Armando Maradona Award. At the same event, Ousmane Dembele was named Best Male Player after a standout season with Paris Saint Germain.

Pressure, praise and perspective

Despite the accolades, Yamal has consistently tried to frame his progress with perspective. Observers in Spain note that Barcelona have been careful with his development, even as expectations continue to rise.

After missing out on the Ballon d’Or, Yamal reflected on the moment in a post shared on Instagram in September. According to his own post, he wrote, “God’s plan is perfect, you have to climb to get to the top. Happy for the Kopa trophy x2 and congratulate @o.dembele7 for the award and the great season.”

A career shaped by identity

Comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may be unavoidable for a player producing this level of impact at such a young age. Still, Yamal has repeatedly stressed that he wants his career to be defined by personal identity rather than borrowed narratives.

Barcelona currently lead La Liga, but have not won the Champions League in a decade. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the next chapters of Yamal’s career will unfold on the biggest stages available. Whether trophies follow or not, his stance is already clear. He wants to be remembered not as a successor, but as himself.

Sources: Fabrizio Romano, AFP, Globe Soccer Awards

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