Inter Miami striker and former Barcelona star Luis Suárez offered some advice to his old club’s new rising star, Lamine Yamal. This came after the young player had a disappointing end to the UEFA Nations League with the Spanish national team.
Yamal has established himself as one of Europe’s elite after playing a key role in Barça’s domestic treble this season. At just 17 years old, he is in the running for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
The Blaugrana’s failure to win the Champions League is seen as damaging Yamal’s chances of winning the prestigious individual award. Nevertheless, he remains a contender for the Ballon d’Or, reflecting the exceptional performances he has delivered at such a young age.
Recently, Suárez, who was part of the last Barcelona squad to win a European trophy, offered Yamal some valuable advice in an interview at the opening of the 2025 Club World Cup.
“Lamine Yamal is a player who shows great maturity for his age, more so than other players. He is very mature for a 17-year-old,” the Uruguayan-born footballer told DAZN.
“He is responsible when he participates in important matches, and he has taken on the challenge of playing for Barcelona, his favourite team. I am very happy for him.”
He has to keep enjoying himself and gaining experience to keep improving. There are still things he needs to learn, as we all did when we were 18, 20 or 25. Lamine marks a new era and is starting to make a big difference in modern football,” Suárez concluded.
Yamal has put pressure on himself to restore the Blaugrana to the top of Europe next season after being knocked out of the Champions League. He has also been open about his criticism of Real Madrid, who were beaten four times by Barcelona last season.
The previous year, external pressure increased when he demonstrated his full potential as the Spanish national team successfully won the Euro 2024 title.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is confident that Yamal will win the award, although Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain remains the favourite after guiding his side to their first Champions League trophy in dominant fashion, as well as three other domestic trophies in Ligue 1.
Taking the advice of a former club legend could help Yamal stay focused despite the odds, especially after losing to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final.