Sport
Malouda Says It’s Too Soon to Compare Yamal to Messi or Ronaldo
Former French international Florent Malouda has weighed in on the growing comparisons between Lamine Yamal and football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, urging fans and pundits to slow down.
Speaking to Racing Tipster, the ex-Chelsea winger said it’s far too soon to place such pressure on the 17-year-old Barcelona sensation. He believes Yamal should be allowed to grow at his own pace without being boxed into the shadows of two of the game’s greatest players.
“That kind of talk is too much right now,” Malouda said. “It can take away from his own identity. Yes, he might be inspired by Ronaldo or Messi, but he clearly has his own style.”
Malouda praised Yamal’s maturity and achievements at such a young age, noting that even Messi and Ronaldo hadn’t reached similar heights at that age. But he emphasized that long-term success is what will truly define Yamal’s career.
“It’s about consistency and growth,” he added. “We can only start comparing him to Messi or Ronaldo if he keeps improving and sets high goals for himself. He has the talent, but he needs time and focus.” Yamal played a crucial role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph and was key in Barcelona’s run to the Champions League semifinal, where they were eventually knocked out by Inter Milan.
Ex Chelsea Striker, Tore Andre Flo praises the club for their recent decision on signing in AC Milan goalkeeper, Mike Maignan.
The former striker explained the decision as a smart move on Chelsea’s part and highlighted how strong the team’s defense will become.
“It sounds like a good signing to me. A club like Chelsea would improve the squad straight away if there was any doubt [over Robert Sanchez]. To me it sounds very, very smart.”
Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti has taken aim at Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, criticizing his outfit choice during a recent Spain national team press conference. The 17-year-old showed up with his hat worn backwards, a look Guti felt was inappropriate for such a professional setting.
Speaking on El Chiringuito TV, Guti said, “I didn’t like seeing Yamal at a press conference with his cap turned backwards. That’s something you do on vacation or in your personal life—not when representing your club or country.” He added that the blame shouldn’t fall on Yamal alone but on those around him who failed to correct the gesture. “It’s not his fault. The people around him should’ve said ‘no way’. He just did what he wanted.”
Yamal has had a solid run with Spain, scoring three goals in seven appearances and helping them reach the UEFA Nations League final. Though Spain lost to Portugal on penalties after a 2-2 draw, the young winger played a key role throughout the tournament. He also played a major part in Barcelona’s successful season, where the club secured the LaLiga title, Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España. However, in the final against Portugal, he struggled to make an impact as Nuno Mendes kept him in check.
Nottingham Forest have triggered the one-year extension in Ola Aina’s deal, keeping the Nigerian defender at the City Ground until the end of the 2025/26 season. Following a standout 2024/25 campaign, the club is also looking to offer him a longer-term contract.
Aina found the net twice and provided one assist in 35 league matches last season, earning praise for his consistency and work rate. He joined Forest on a free transfer in 2023 after parting ways with Italian side Torino and has since made 57 league appearances for the Reds.
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