Dutch football legend Wesley Sneijder has made a bold statement: according to him, Lamine Yamal has the potential to go beyond the level of Lionel Messi.
The former Real Madrid midfielder believes that Barcelona’s extraordinary teenager is on the right path to becoming the best player of his generation and to remain at the “Camp Nou” for at least another decade.
Yamal finished the year 2025 as the runner-up for the Ballon d’Or, ranking second behind Ousmane Dembele – an extraordinary achievement for such a young player.
Injuries that slowed a perfect start
After the outstanding 2024/25 season, during which he contributed to Barcelona’s domestic success and helped the club reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, Yamal has faced several physical problems this season. He missed four La Liga matches in September and October due to a groin issue, which was later diagnosed as pubalgia.
He also had to withdraw from Spain’s latest squad, but is expected to be fully ready for the tightly packed schedule of end-of-year fixtures. Nevertheless, his statistics remain impressive: he has contributed to 11 goals in 11 appearances this season.
Sneijder: Yamal is Barcelona’s new Messi
Sneijder states that Yamal is already seen as Messi’s natural successor at Barcelona — and even as a player with the potential to go beyond him.
“We often talk about whether Yamal can become Messi one day. But for me, Lamine Yamal is Barcelona’s new Messi,” Sneijder told AdventureGamers.
“They will never let him leave, and I don’t think he wants to leave either. He grew up in the club and has already achieved great things. He has become a big star and has no reason to go to England, Germany, or anywhere else.”
“Maybe one day, just like Messi, he will look for a new experience. But if we talk again in 10 years, I still see him at Barcelona. Can he reach Messi’s level or go beyond? Yes, it’s possible. He improves every year and is already at an extraordinary level,” the Dutchman added.
An emotional return to Camp Nou
Barcelona is preparing to return to its historic stadium for the first time since its closure in 2023 for deep renovation.
Yamal shared his excitement on social media, writing: “Special nights are coming,” while showing images from the reconstruction works.
Even Lionel Messi visited Camp Nou during the recent international break, further heightening the excitement among fans.
