La ex estrella del Atlético de Madrid cree que Yamal nunca será como Lionel Messi o Cristiano Ronaldo

With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo having stepped away from the top level of European competition, fans have been eager to find the next player capable of matching their legendary status. Many believe that player could be Lamine Yamal. At just 18 years old, the Barcelona forward already boasts an impressive résumé, including a UEFA Euro with Spain, two LaLiga titles, and over 100 appearances for the club.

However, beyond what the numbers may suggest, staying at the top of world soccer for two decades — something Messi and Ronaldo both accomplished — is the hardest part. That’s exactly what Atletico Madrid former star Saul Ñiguez believes, as he doesn’t see Yamal being able to replicate what the two greatest goal scorers in soccer history have accomplished.

With more than 400 appearances for Atletico Madrid, Saul faced both the Argentine legendand the Portuguese icon on numerous occasions. And while he praised Yamal, he was honest in admitting that he doesn’t believe the youngster will reach their level.

“We have to let him play; he’s under a lot of pressure because his level is very high. We will never see anyone achieve what Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have achieved,” he told COPE.

Yamal’s numbers are already noteworthy: 106 matches, 25 goals, 34 assists, and four titles with Barcelona, in addition to 21 caps, six goals, and a European Championship with Spain. Still, to truly enter the conversation with Messi and Ronaldo, he would need to maintain — and even elevate — that level for the next 15 to 20 years.

Saul criticizes João Felix

“Soccer is about the team. He has all the qualities to be an incredible player, but no matter how good you are, if you don’t work, it’s worthless,” Saul told El Partidazo de COPE. “I heard a phrase from Paco Jemez that said talent without hard work is nothing… Many of us tried to help João, but if someone doesn’t want to listen…” he added bluntly.

Upon arriving in Brazil to join Flamengo, Saul didn’t hold back in his comments about João Félix, with whom he shared time at Atletico Madrid and who remains the fifth most expensive transfer in soccer history.

Atletico Madrid spent more than €125 million to sign him, but the Portuguese forward never met expectations, bouncing around Barcelona, Chelsea, and Milan before ultimately landing in Saudi Arabia.

Gianni Taina is a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, with a specialization in soccer, the NBA, and tennis. He began his professional career in 2020 with Mundo Deportivo US, where he first established himself as a writer. Throughout his career, Gianni has covered major sports events such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tournaments like the French Open. His ability to report on real-time events and perform well under pressure has made him a valuable member of a top-tier team of journalists. In 2024, he joined Bolavip US, where he now covers a wide range of sports, including European soccer, MLS, and the NBA.

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