Sports · Football · 2 hrs ago
Gerrard says Yamal is ahead of Messi and Ronaldo at the same age
Steven Gerrard says Lamine Yamal was ahead of Messi and Ronaldo at the same age after watching all three play.
Gerrard said the 19-year-old has the potential to reach their level if he continues to develop.
Yamal has won three league titles with Barcelona and the 2024 European Championship with Spain, as well as the World Cup last summer, according to the report.
He was named Golden Boy in 2024, an award for young talent.
Gerrard said Barcelona and those around Yamal must keep him motivated as he develops.
Yamal has played 167 games for Barcelona and 37 for Spain, and is currently dealing with knee discomfort.
Spain will leave him out against Czechia but expect him to play England; coach Luis de la Fuente said the team avoided taking a risk and prioritised his health.
Steven Gerrard says Lamine Yamal was further ahead than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the same age.
Gerrard said on The Overlap podcast that Yamal has the potential to reach their level if he keeps developing.
He called Yamal’s talent and potential “almost frightening” and said keeping him hungry is a key challenge for Barcelona.
The article says Yamal is 19 and has won three league titles with Barcelona, as well as the 2024 European Championship and last summer’s World Cup with Spain.
Yamal is dealing with knee problems and will miss Thursday’s match against the Czech Republic, but Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expects him to play against England.
- Who
- Steven Gerrard gave his assessment of Lamine Yamal.
- What
- Gerrard said Yamal is further ahead than Messi and Ronaldo were at the same age.
- When
- The comments were made on The Overlap podcast; the article was published on 10 November 2026.
- Where
- The comments were made on The Overlap podcast. Yamal plays for Barcelona and Spain.
- Why
- Gerrard was comparing Yamal’s development and potential with those of Messi and Ronaldo at the same age.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Yamal was named Golden Boy.
Yamal won the World Cup with Spain, according to the article.
Yamal is set to miss Spain’s match against the Czech Republic because of knee problems.
De la Fuente expects Yamal to play against England.
- Age
- 19
- Barcelona appearances
- 167
- Spain appearances
- 37
- Barcelona league titles
- 3
- Golden Boy
- Awarded in 2024
What people are saying
In my opinion, Lamine Yamal is further ahead at that age than they were back then.
In terms of his talent and potential: it is almost frightening.
It was the risk not worth taking.
It was the right decision.