Sport
Rio Ferdinand Says 17-Year-Old Yamal Is Better Than Young Messi and Ronaldo
Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand believes Lamine Yamal is ahead of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi when they were 17. While Ronaldo and Messi are widely regarded as two of the greatest to ever play football, Ferdinand thinks Yamal is showing signs of something even more special at his age.
The young Barcelona star has been turning heads with his standout performances for Spain at Euro 2024, building on a season where he helped Barça clinch a domestic treble. At just 17, he’s already setting and breaking records, and even being mentioned in early Ballon d’Or conversations.
Speaking on his podcast, Ferdinand didn’t hold back when asked if Yamal is better than Ronaldo was at 17. “Absolutely,” he said. “He’s doing things neither Ronaldo nor Messi were doing at that age. His potential might even be higher. At 17, no one’s had this kind of impact.”
He added, “Maybe Pele did, but I didn’t see him play. What Yamal is doing right now is unbelievable.” Yamal’s rise suggests he’s not just the future of Spanish football—he might be the future of the game itself.
Chelsea player Enzo Fernández is in discussions to join Manchester City. This information was revealed by Fabrizio Romano, who shared that the two clubs are discussing a potential deal.
He wrote: “Enzo Fernández has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms.
“Deal depends on club-to-club decision, as #MCFC have not sent an official bid yet, but contacts will take place soon; decision on price is up to Chelsea.
“Enzo could be out again this weekend.”
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca mentions his captains for the team. He mentions Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.
He shared “We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four or five more days until the transfer window closes to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling , who at the moment are the two captains.”
Maresca confirmed the pair as part of his leadership group ahead of the 2026/27 season, with two more captains expected to be selected after the transfer window closes.
Chelsea manager speaks on the team and shares thoughts on considering a change in goalkeepers, giving another goalkeeper, Mike Penders, a chance.
“Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.”
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Enzo Fernández Moves Closer to Manchester City Transfer
