At the 75th FIFA Congress in Asunción, Cameroonian football icon and federation president Samuel Eto’o shared his thoughts on the rising debate between Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal and PSG winger Ousmane Dembélé. Eto’o praised the 17-year-old Yamal as an “exceptional” talent, commending his maturity, technical skill, and swift progress at Barcelona. He expressed hope that the youngster remains injury-free and continues developing.
Turning to Dembélé, Eto’o described him as “phenomenal,” highlighting his incredible speed and dribbling ability. He noted the Frenchman’s improved consistency since joining Paris Saint-Germain, marking him as a top-level attacker.
While admiring both players, Eto’o emphasized that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo still set the standard in football. Their prolonged success is the benchmark for young talents like Yamal and Dembélé.
Eto’o suggested that Yamal might have greater long-term potential due to his youth and growth, but acknowledged that Dembélé, at present, is the more refined and impactful player. The comparison between future promise and current performance is a common theme in football, and Eto’o’s balanced viewpoint adds depth to the conversation.
With his rich experience as both a legendary player and a football official, Eto’o’s insights carry significant weight. His message recognized the distinct qualities of both players and encouraged them to continue striving for greatness. While the debate is far from over, Eto’o’s remarks celebrate both the present brilliance and the future promise of these two standout talents.
