Sports October 14, 2026 8:12 am
Lamine Yamal and Rafael Leão after Barcelona thrashing Galatasaray 4-1 at Instabul on Tuesday
Galatasaray winger Rafael Leão has expressed admiration for Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, stating that he hopes the 19-year-old wins the Ballon d’Or and helps the Catalan club claim major silverware.
In an interview with Brazilian broadcaster TNT Sports BR on Tuesday, the Portuguese winger said: “I hope Lamine Yamal wins the Ballon d’Or and big trophies with Barça. He is among the best in the world, he’s someone I really appreciate as a player and person. He’s surrounded by good players at an extraordinary club.”
Leão, who has established himself as one of Serie A’s standout attackers, went further in describing his regard for the young Spaniard. He highlighted Yamal’s humility and referred to him as a friend, while praising the environment around him at Barcelona.
The comments come shortly after Barcelona’s Champions League performance against Galatasaray, in which Yamal again demonstrated the talent that has made him one of European football’s most exciting young players.
At just 19, the Barcelona forward already ranks among the most highly valued and talked-about talents in the game.
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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