Xavi Hernández, one of FC Barcelona’s greatest icons, has sparked debate with his recent remarks about Lamine Yamal, the club’s rising star. The former Barça midfielder stressed that, although the 17-year-old has extraordinary talent, it is too soon to compare him to Lionel Messi, regarded by many as the best footballer in history. Xavi warned that such comparisons are premature and risk placing unnecessary pressure on the teenager, who is still in the early stages of building his career at the top level.
Yamal has burst onto the football scene with remarkable impact. Since his debut with Barça’s senior team, his dazzling performances have captured the admiration of both fans and experts. Known for his dribbling, sharp vision, and surprising maturity for his age, he has already been labeled by some as the “next Messi.” However, Xavi insists these parallels are unfair—not only to Yamal but also to Messi’s unique legacy. He underlined that every player must carve out their own path and that Yamal has everything it takes to become a star in his own right.
The former captain also suggested caution when it comes to Yamal’s shirt number. At present, he wears the number 27, though there has been speculation about him eventually inheriting a more iconic number, such as the famous 10 once worn by Messi. In Xavi’s view, these moves would only fuel comparisons and potentially distract the youngster from his development. Instead, he believes Yamal should be allowed to grow without the burden of excessive expectations.
Xavi’s stance has divided opinion. Some supporters agree with him, stressing the importance of shielding Yamal from media hype, while others argue that comparisons are inevitable given his similar style of play and immediate impact on the team. Regardless, Yamal’s quality is undeniable, and his future looks promising, independent of debates about shirt numbers or historical legacy.
So far, FC Barcelona has not released an official response to Xavi’s comments. The club appears committed to nurturing Yamal’s abilities, easing him into the first team while managing expectations. Both the board and the coaching staff recognize they have a gem on their hands—the challenge will be guiding him to fulfill his enormous potential without letting pressure take its toll.L
