By Seyi Babalola
Rio Ferdinand, a Manchester United legend, has stated that Lamine Yamal is a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were at 17.
Messi and Ronaldo are often regarded as two of the best players to ever play the round-leathered game.
Both players are getting to the end of their careers but have no plans to retire.
Yamal, a Barça youth team product, became after his performances with Spain at Euro 2024.
The Spain international is currently showing the world he has what it takes to reach the heights attained by Ronaldo and Messi.
The 17 years old, Yamal, who is a contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or award, has broken and set and broken a lot of records.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, former England international Ferdinand, responded to a question on whether Yamal is a better player than Ronaldo at 17.
“Yes! Lamine Yamal is better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi at 17 years old,” he said.
“His potential or ceiling them to might be better. They’ve gone and produced it. The body of work at 17 years old, no one’s done it.
“Pele may, but I didn’t see Pele. But this guy is doing stuff.”
Yamal was a key player for Barcelona as they claimed a domestic treble in the 2024-25 season.