Harry who?! Watkins makes England case as Kane watches on

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

Why Man Utd & Liverpool both want Argentine teen Soler

Top 25 African players of the 21st century - ranked

Vini's nightmare goes on as Brazil drop more WCQ points

Mendes responds to Ronaldo criticism of Portugal players

Raphinha surprises wonderkid Yamal with £10k gold iPhone

Real Madrid midfielder announces shock retirement in emotional letter

Rodri admits he wouldn't have even chosen Vinicius Jr. as Ballon d'Or runner-up

‘Can't think long term’ – Ronaldo admits he may not reach 1,000 goals

'Please leave him alone!' - Deschamps sends out Mbappe plea

Endrick set to be offered 'escape route' out of Real Madrid

'Football's biggest waste' - Adriano admits he's 'drinking to oblivion'

<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="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>Yamal &amp; Messi both products of La Masia</li><li>Youngster enjoying sensational season at Barca</li><li>Raphinha believes Yamal is more similar to Neymar than Messi</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>

Raphinha plays down Lamine Yamal comparisons to Lionel Messi - and instead suggests other Barcelona legend he reminds him of

LaLiga

Celta Vigo

Barcelona

<p>Barcelona’s resurgence in the 2024-25 season has thrilled fans and rivals alike, with their powerful offensive displays leading to a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/robert-lewandowski-kylian-mbappe-winners-and-losers-barcelona-real-madrid-misfires-clasico-debut/bltd61fe27bdf801e1a" target="_blank">strong start in La Liga</a>. Key to this success has been the attacking trio of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. While <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/hansi-flick-free-wheeling-barcelona-battered-bayern-munich-real-madrid-most-exciting-team-europe/blta3c46cc10976e06b" target="_blank">Lewandowski has impressed with a league-leading 14 goals</a>, it’s Yamal’s performances alongside him that has captured attention and inspired comparisons to Barcelona legends of the past.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>At just 17 years old, Yamal has swiftly become one of Barcelona’s most talked-about players. Graduating from the famed La Masia academy, his technical skills and flair have invited inevitable comparisons to Messi, another La Masia alumnus who redefined football with his iconic Barcelona career. Like Messi, Yamal has shown incredible composure and ball control, qualities that have made him a standout talent despite his young age.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>In an interview with <a href="https://elpais.com/deportes/futbol/2024-11-02/raphinha-si-no-estas-lejos-de-la-fiesta-y-de-la-noche-la-tecnica-no-sirve-de-nada.html"><em>El Pais</em></a>, Raphinha said of Yamal: "I see him more like Neymar – the dribbling, how fast he thinks to dribble. When you think you can steal the ball from him, he does something you’ve never seen in your life."</p>

WHAT RAPHINHA SAID

<p>The comparison comes at a time when Raphinha himself has risen to prominence within the Barcelona squad. After a somewhat peripheral role under previous manager Xavi, Raphinha has flourished this season under the leadership of Hansi Flick. The Brazilian’s transition to a more central role has been marked by consistent performances, as evidenced by his tally of 10 goals and seven assists in 14 games.</p><p>Despite his remarkable form, Raphinha remains humble, stating that he doesn’t view himself as a primary figure. "I don’t feel like a protagonist," he said. "I do know that I’m having a good season, but the whole team is the protagonist. If we score 10 goals, but concede 10, the game ends in a draw. When everyone is on form, it is natural for strikers to excel more, they are the ones who score goals. In my opinion, they are all protagonists."</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Raphinha’s improved form and Yamal’s rapid development come at an ideal time, with Barcelona set to face Espanyol in the upcoming Catalan derby on November 3. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Raphinha plays down Lamine Yamal comparisons to Lionel Messi and instead suggests other Barcelona legend | Goal.com

Lamine Yamal is often compared to Lionel Messi but Raphinha believes that the youngster has more similarities with another Barcelona legend in Neymar.