Lamine Yamal addresses chances of joining Real Madrid, comparisons with Barcelona icon and Raphinha’s advice | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal is a player who expresses himself with confidence. His words carry clarity, just like his performances on the pitch.

One of the key matters Barcelona must address in the near future is improving his contract, which is currently set to expire in 2026.

His present is already impressive, but his future could be even more spectacular. That is precisely why several top clubs across Europe are keeping a close eye on him, hoping for an opportunity to lure him away from Barcelona.

Hypothetical Real Madrid move

Yamal has already been the subject of a multi-million bid, something that Barcelona did not entertain.

Now, speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, he was asked whether he could one day end up playing at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, Yamal is certain about one thing—there is no chance of him joining Real Madrid.

He has made it clear that a move to their biggest rivals is simply not an option. His focus remains solely on Barcelona, the club that has nurtured him and given him the platform to showcase his talent.

“Impossible. Madrid, no,” he made it absolutely clear.

Feeling like a star

Lamine Yamal is already a star. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Beyond contract negotiations and transfer rumours, Yamal is fully committed to the present. His priority is performing at the highest level and contributing to the team.

While many consider him one of the brightest young stars in football, he does not dwell on labels.

Instead of seeing himself as a superstar, he focuses on his performances, ensuring he gives his best in every match. His goal is to play well, help his teammates, and make a difference on the pitch.

“I feel comfortable, which is the most important thing. Talking about stars or not stars, in the en,d it is about playing, and showing what you are.

“You don’t have to feel like a star, superior or inferior. It’s not necessary. The important thing is to be comfortable, to play for the team and for your teammates to help you. That’s enough.”

Comparisons with Messi

Lamine Yamal talks about being compared to Messi. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Naturally, comparisons with Lionel Messi have surfaced, as they have with many left-footed wingers who rise through Barcelona’s ranks.

Yamal acknowledges this but does not let it affect him. He understands that being compared to Messi is a compliment, as it means he is on the right track.

“Luckily, I’m not the first to have this happen to me. That means that it’s something that people have inside them every time they see a left-footed winger, or sometimes just when one is left-footed.”

However, he remains determined to carve out his own path, focusing on his journey rather than trying to emulate anyone else.

“I try to be myself. I always say that Messi is the best player in history and being compared to him means that you’re doing things right, but I try to be myself. I try to make my way and give everything for this shirt.”

Raphinha and his helping nature

Raphinha has taken Lamine Yamal under his wings. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Within the squad, Yamal shares a strong bond with Raphinha. The Brazilian winger has taken him under his wing, offering advice before and after matches, as well as during training sessions.

Given that most of his other teammates are close to his age, Raphinha has naturally become a mentor figure for him. Their connection extends beyond the pitch, making their relationship an important aspect of his development.

“I always talk to him. He always talks to me before matches, after matches, and after training.

“I think that, of the veterans, because in the end, the others are almost my age or two years older, he is the one I talk to the most and the one I have the best relationship with,” he added.