Hansi Flick praises Lamine Yamal and projects the future of the Barcelona striker in world football
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has hailed Lamine Yamal as a “genius” and believes the 18-year-old striker is destined to become one of the greatest players in world football. The German manager, recently named Coach of the Year by Bild magazine, praised the youngster’s maturity on the pitch while also urging caution off it.
“He will be one of the best in history”
In Flick’s assessment, Yamal already displays extraordinary intelligence and match-winning ability despite his age.
“He’s an absolute genius. At 18, he decides games on his own. He’s on the right track and very intelligent. Of course, he’s still very young and has to learn from others, but I’m convinced he’ll be one of the best players the world has ever seen,” said the Barcelona coach.
Off-field guidance
Behind the scenes, Flick has taken a protective approach with his young star. The coach has warned Yamal about the dangers of overexposure and the need to stay focused on gradual growth. The concern comes after recent media scrutiny comparing his situation to Neymar’s early career.
Yamal, however, has responded positively. In recent days, he has demonstrated full commitment to Barcelona, arriving early for training sessions and staying late to improve his game.
Rising numbers at Barcelona
Since debuting in 2022/23, Yamal has quickly evolved into a key figure for the Blaugrana. After a breakthrough season with 7 goals and 7 assists, he exploded in 2024/25 with 18 goals and 21 assists in 55 matches. This campaign, he has already started strong, recording 3 goals in just two games.
Future with Spain
Yamal’s growth is not limited to Barcelona. He has also established himself as a starter for the Spanish national team, where he is seen as one of the nation’s brightest hopes ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
