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.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup may have come to an end, but fans are still talking about its historic entertainment lineup.
From the opening ceremony to the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show and the closing ceremony, the tournament featured performances from some of the biggest artists in the world.
Some of the performers included:
- Madonna
- BTS
- Shakira
- Burna Boy
- Justin Bieber
- Chris Martin (Coldplay)
- Jennifer Hudson
- Robbie Williams
- Nicole Scherzinger
- Laura Pausini
- Post Malone
- PS22 Chorus
- Gustavo Dudamel and orchestra
Football legend Thierry Henry has reacted to Lionel Messi’s emotional response after Argentina lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain.
It can be recalled that Spain defeated Argentina to lift the 2026 World Cup trophy. While Spain celebrated their victory, cameras captured Messi in tears after the final whistle.
Henry said Messi’s reaction showed just how much the game still means to him.
“Look at what it means to him. If you ever had any doubt about whether the guy still has any fire in his belly, look at him. Look at what it means.”
He added “You won already. And look at the guy. Look at the passion, desire and the love that he has for his country and how much he puts into it.”
Football legend Rio Ferdinand has shared his prediction ahead of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
While many have backed different teams to lift the trophy, Ferdinand said some fans have underestimated Argentina’s quality.
He said “I find it difficult to bet against Argentina. They have demonstrated remarkable character, determination, and resilience. I believe people have been somewhat disrespectful by calling them an average team; they are not.”
He continued “I think it is inappropriate and disrespectful. If you are saying that, you clearly do not watch enough football, as they are an excellent team, and in challenging situations, they become even better and stronger. However, I do believe Spain will win the match.”
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