IIn the midst of a season in which his name went from potential to reality, Ramin Yamal has once again made it clear where he is going.
The young Barcelona forward, who was recently named World Young Sportsman of the Year at the Laureus Awards, put into words what many have been wondering for a long time. His role model remains Lionel Messi.
Yamal pays tribute to ‘the greatest player of all time’
At just 18 years old, the Rose winger has not only established himself as one of the team’s key players, but is also beginning to be seen as the natural successor to one of the club’s most prominent legends, Leo Messi.
This is the second year in a row that the academy has recognized the young player, having recognized him for his achievements in the 2025 ‘Breakthrough of the Year’ category. Receiving this new honor, Yamal reflected on the impact and responsibility of making his mark on Rose and international football.
“I’m proud that the Academy recognized me with this award and that I’m the first recipient. It’s hard to understand that you have to be responsible and don’t make mistakes because you’re a role model for so many kids, but I take it as a good thing. That’s why whenever I send a message, I try to send it meaningfully with the goal of helping more people. With this in mind, I sometimes make mistakes, but I am 18 years old.
In his speech, the young man did not hide his joy and satisfaction at receiving this award, as well as his deep admiration for Messi.
“When you realize that an athlete is a legend not only in his sport, but in other sports as well, it’s because he’s the best. Messi is an example of that. He’s the best football player in history and also the best athlete. For me, he’s not just an idol. Everyone looks up to him for everything he’s done and the example he’s set through everything he’s done, and I want to follow in his footsteps,” he said.
The Argentine is the only footballer to have won the highest title of ‘World’s Best Athlete’, which he won in 2020 and will also receive the honor in 2023. Furthermore, he has scored 672 goals for Barcelona, winning 10 La Liga titles, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 4 Champions League titles, 3 UEFA Super Cups, and 3 Club World Cup appearances. Currently, he continues his career with Inter Miami.
Far from sounding like a cliché, the context strengthens the message. At 18, Lamine is already dealing with the pressure of being a role model for other young players and the expectations of leading a new era at Rose. He himself acknowledges that weight, but accepts it as a natural part of growing up. In this context, Messi doesn’t come across as an unpleasant comparison, but rather as a roadmap. Not just because of what he accomplished, but because he represents global influence, consistency, and generational influence.
Meanwhile, following their recent Champions League exit to Atltico Madrid, Barra are focusing on their efforts in La Liga, where they currently have 79 points, nine points ahead of Real Madrid (70 points), and are looking to win their second consecutive title. The next match will be against Celta de Vigo, scheduled for Wednesday, April 22nd at the Spotify Camp Nou.
