La Ligas Young Star Lamine Yamal Is Ahead of Messi and Pele

Imagine being just 17 years old and already making history in football. That’s exactly what Lamine Yamal is doing. Born on July 13, 2007, in Spain, this young star is turning heads with his talent. He is breaking records and playing with top players. He shows he belongs at the highest level of football.
Young players are often compared to legends like Lionel Messi, Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Johan Cruyff. But here’s the crazy part—when you compare Yamal’s stats to these greats at the same age, he is already ahead!
Let’s dive into how Yamal is making history and what makes him such a special player.
Lamine Yamal’s Record-Breaking Start
At just 15 years and 290 days old, Yamal played his first match for FC Barcelona’s senior team on April 29, 2023. That made him the youngest player ever to debut for the club. But that was just the beginning.
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He became the youngest player to score in La Liga history.
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He played in the Champions League at a younger age than anyone else.
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He also became the youngest player to ever play for Spain’s national team.
These are not small achievements. Most players his age are still in youth teams, dreaming about playing at the highest level. But Yamal? He’s already there!
Unbelievable Stats for His Age
By just 17 years old, Yamal had already played 106 matches—89 for Barcelona and 17 for Spain. Let’s break down his numbers:
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79 starts (which means coaches trust him to play from the beginning).
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7,158 minutes on the field.
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23 goals scored.
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31 assists provided.
To put it simply, these numbers are insane for a player his age. It’s rare to see a teenager contributing so much in top competitions.
How Does Yamal Compare to Football Legends?
People love to compare young players to legends. So how does Yamal measure up to the greats when they were his age?
Pelé – The King of Football
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Made his debut for Santos at 15 years and 10 months old.
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Scored his first goal in a friendly match.
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Won a World Cup at just 17!
Yamal's early career is impressive. At this age, he has played more matches, scored more goals, and made more assists than Pelé did.
Diego Maradona – Argentina’s Genius
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Debuted at 15 years and 11 months for Argentinos Juniors.
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Scored his first World Cup goal at 21 years old.
Maradona was magical with the ball, but he wasn’t dominating at Yamal’s age the way this young Spaniard is.
Johan Cruyff – The Dutch Maestro
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Played his first game for Ajax at 17 and a half years old.
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Scored 4 goals and assisted 2 in his first season.
Cruyff later became one of the smartest players ever, but he didn’t have Yamal’s impact at this age.
Lionel Messi – The Modern Football Icon
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Played only 7 matches for Barcelona by this age.
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Had no goals or assists yet.
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Had not yet played for Argentina’s senior team.
Yes, Messi is now one of the best, but at 17, he didn't match Yamal's level in games, goals, or impact.
Follow La Liga and Watch Yamal Shine
Football fans around the world are closely following Yamal’s journey in La Liga. Don’t miss his amazing performances! Watch La Liga live streaming on Footybite for the latest match coverage.
What Makes Lamine Yamal Special?
One of the most impressive things about Yamal is how smart he plays. He doesn’t just rely on speed or skill—he understands the game like an experienced player. He makes great decisions, knows when to pass, and always seems to be in the right place at the right time.
Unbelievable Dribbling and Vision
Have you ever watched a player dribble past defenders like they’re invisible? That’s Yamal. He glides effortlessly, making defenders appear helpless. He also sees things before they happen, just like Messi and Maradona did.
Handles Pressure Like a Pro
Playing for Barcelona and Spain is a big deal. Most young players might get nervous, but Yamal plays with confidence. He already looks comfortable competing against the best defenders in the world.
Stay Updated with Football News
For the latest on Lamine Yamal and other rising football stars, check out ESPN. They have exclusive coverage.
FAQs About Lamine Yamal
How old is Lamine Yamal?
He was born on July 13, 2007, so he is currently 17 years old.
What position does Lamine Yamal play?
He plays mostly as a right winger, but he can also play in other attacking positions.
What records has he broken?
He is the youngest debutant and youngest goal scorer in FC Barcelona history. He holds records as the youngest player in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Spanish national team.
Is Lamine Yamal better than Messi at the same age?
Statistically, yes. Yamal has played more games and scored more goals. He has also assisted more than Messi did at 17. Plus, he already represents Spain’s senior team.
Can Yamal become one of the greatest players ever?
If he keeps improving, stays healthy, and works hard, he could become one of football’s all-time greats.
Conclusion
Lamine Yamal is more than a talented young player. He is already surpassing some of the greatest legends at his age. His stats, skills, and maturity on the field make him one of the most exciting talents in football today.
Of course, it’s still early in his career. But if he continues on this path, we might be witnessing the rise of one of football’s future icons.