In the aftermath of Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final exit to Inter, attention quickly turned from the disappointment of defeat to the emergence of a new sensation. One young Barcelona star, who dazzled across both legs of the tie, has now drawn praise from a most unexpected admirer: Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, a man who has seen greatness up close—on the pitch and in his own club.
Beckham, whose career famously crossed paths with Lionel Messi on more than one occasion, has reserved his highest praise for this teenage phenom. In fact, Beckham believes the Barcelona youngster might be the only player capable of reaching Messi’s legendary level.
But who is this rising star? Beckham is convinced his talent only comes around “once every 20 or 30 years.” The answer lies in a player who continues to tear down records before reaching adulthood—and his name is about to become impossible to ignore.
What did David Beckham say?
David Beckham is no stranger to greatness. From his time at Real Madrid during Messi’s early years to his final professional match—ironically, against a Barcelona side featuring a young Messi—Beckham has long had a front-row seat to soccer excellence. And now, years later, he believes he’s seen a worthy successor.
“He’s the first player that you look at and you can… I mean, you can’t compare anyone to Messi, in my opinion. But he’s the closest thing that I have seen. One day, I believe that he could be as good as Leo,” Beckham told CBS after watching the youngster’s performance in the Champions League.
That player, of course, is Lamine Yamal.
At just 17 years old, Yamal has already taken European soccer by storm. This season alone, he has recorded 15 goals and 24 assists in 51 appearances, playing a central role in Barcelona’s attack. His maturity, composure, and creativity have set him apart—not only among his peers but even against seasoned professionals. “Only every 20 or 30 years does a player like that come along, and maybe longer than that,” the Englishman added.
Star who refuses to be compared
Yamal’s journey from youth academy to Champions League semifinalist has been meteoric. Since Xavi Hernandez handed him his debut, he’s been on a record-breaking spree. Now a fixture in both Barcelona and Spain’s senior squads, his trophy cabinet already includes the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and a Euro 2024 title with Spain.
But through it all, the comparisons to Lionel Messi—Barcelona’s greatest ever—have followed him. The Spanish teenager, however, remains humble and focused.
“Being compared to the best in history is incredible. It means you’re doing something right. But I try to be myself—I want to be remembered for me,” Yamal said before the Inter clash. “Being compared to him sets a bar that’s incredibly hard to reach. I just try to be myself and to be remembered as Lamine Yamal.”
