Paul Pogba has praised Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal for what he describes as “a mentality beyond his years,” placing the Spanish starlet among the most impressive young talents he’s seen in recent years.
Speaking to ESPN, the former Manchester United midfielder admitted that while the football world is no stranger to emerging talent, Yamal stands out for more than just his skills. “He is incredible. What impresses me about him is that he has the mentality of an adult at his age,” Pogba said. “He always plays clearly, and at such an age, that is crazy.”
Yamal, 17, played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s double-winning campaign under new manager Hansi Flick, lifting both the 2024 La Liga title and the Copa del Rey. His performances have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest teenage debuts in football history, and he’s now being touted as a top contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist.
The left-footed forward, known for his vision, pace, and technical finesse, racked up 14 goals and 11 assists across competitions last season, becoming the youngest player in La Liga history to hit double figures in both categories.
Pogba, currently a free agent after parting ways with Juventus in late 2024, is no stranger to top-tier talent, having played alongside global stars like Kylian Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zlatan Ibrahimović. His endorsement adds further weight to the hype surrounding Yamal’s meteoric rise.
Barcelona fans and football analysts alike have hailed Yamal’s maturity in high-pressure matches, including his standout performance in the El Clásico victory over Real Madrid and a match-winning assist in the Copa del Rey final.
As Yamal continues to shine on both domestic and international stages, the football world now watches to see whether the teenager can etch his name into history and become the youngest ever Ballon d’Or winner.
