Barcelona, Spain — Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has sent shockwaves through the football world after delivering a cold assessment of Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, following what was supposed to be a light-hearted exchange with Thierry Henry.
Despite Saka’s 7 goal contributions in the Champions League this season, Yamal made a cutting eight-word remark after their semi-final matches:
“He’s good, but not on our level.”
This unexpected jab came after Saka was shut down by PSG’s Nuno Mendes, contributing little in Arsenal’s first-leg loss. Meanwhile, Yamal dazzled for Barcelona with a stunning goal against Inter Milan and now sits on 9 goal involvements — outshining Saka statistically and in influence.
Yamal’s comment reportedly came after a CBS Sports appearance, where Thierry Henry jokingly asked for his shirt for his son. The 17-year-old, usually humble, then offered the unexpected quote in Spanish — which many have since interpreted as a clear dig at Saka’s status in the elite winger conversation.
With Dembele (11 contributions) leading the UCL winger stats, Yamal rising fast, and Saka now under pressure, this verbal swipe could ignite a rivalry that fans will watch closely should Arsenal and Barcelona meet in the final.
Is this the beginning of a new generational clash on
the wings?
