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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"matchScheduleId":"bltb15444520f7d565f","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Deco praises Yamal's vision and instinct</li><li>Calls him a “genius” like Messi and Ronaldinho</li><li>Barca sporting director highlights his Ballon d’Or potential</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Lamine Yamal is a 'genius'! Deco explains what Barcelona and Spain teen has in common with Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho

<p>Barcelona sporting director Deco has spoken highly of Yamal in a recent interview while the teenage forward enjoys a vacation in Brazil. When asked about the advice he would give the youngster, Deco insisted that the football world must avoid overwhelming him and allow him to grow naturally.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The Portuguese drew comparisons between Yamal and past icons like Ronaldinho and Messi, calling him a “genius” with a unique understanding of the game. The 17-year-old has emerged as one of Barcelona’s brightest talents and is already playing a key role in the senior team. With the club going through a transitional phase, young stars like Yamal represent the future.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Having shared the pitch with both Ronaldinho and Messi, Deco sees a similar spark in Yamal, telling <a href="https://www.lavanguardia.com/deportes/fc-barcelona/20250622/10813933/deco-nico-lleva-lamine-mejor-esto-club-amigos.html" target="_blank"><em>La Vanguardia</em></a>: "What geniuses have in common is that they see what others don't see and Lamine has this. He masters football in a different way and in terms of his personal life, every player has his own world. His situation is different from Robert Lewandowski's, for example."</p>

WHAT DECO SAID

<p>The young Spanish winger is expected to continue growing under new management at Barcelona, with his development carefully monitored by Deco and the coaching staff. While Ballon d'Or talk might be premature, his early promise has already placed him among Europe’s most exciting prospects.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Lamine Yamal is a 'genius'! Deco explains what Barcelona and Spain teen has in common with Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho | Goal.com

Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal is dazzling the football world and Deco says he has the same “genius” quality as Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho.