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Jorge Mendes, the renowned football agent, sat down with Sports World for a recent extensive interview, during which he discussed the rapid rise of FC Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and his contractual situation.
Mendes, who represents some of the biggest names in football including Cristiano Ronaldo, has watched Yamal’s rise at Barca from close quarters and backed him to become the best player in the world.
“He is doing very well. Last year he showed that he is one of the main figures, if not the main one, in European football. “He exceeded all expectations and has a unique talent, more talented than anyone.” Mendes said.
“He is very young, but he has a bright future ahead of him and all the conditions to succeed at the highest level and become number one.”
Lamine should consider Ronaldo and Messi as examples
Mendes, who has guided the careers of many football stars including Ronaldo, spoke about how to manage a player like Lamine.
“Cristiano is a great example for Lamine and for all the young players for everything he has achieved, a level that almost no one has reached. “He has scored almost 1,000 goals, something that no one else has done.” Mendes said.
“Lamine has a good example, not only on the field but also off the field, of how Cristiano has managed his career. At almost 40 years old, he continues to compete and that is a very good example for Lamine.
“If Lamine avoids mistakes and knows what to do, and I think he is aware of his responsibilities, he has all the conditions to succeed at the highest level of world football. I don’t see anyone else with his talent. He is number one.”
Mendes also spoke about comparisons between Lamine and two of the greatest players of all time, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Cristiano and Messi should be examples for him, not to compare, but because they have lived for and for football.” Mendes stated.
“There is no need to compare players; They are from different generations. I’m not saying that they are finished, because they continue competing at their age, and that is because they have done things well and taken care of themselves.
“That is the example that Lamine must follow; There are no comparisons with others.”
On the topic of comparisons with Messi, Mendes again stated that Lamine should follow the example of the former Barcelona captain.
“Messi has always shown that he is a great professional and is an incredible player. It is a good example, without a doubt.”
About Lamine Yamal’s contract
Mendes has already stated in public several times that Lamine Yamal, whose current contract with Barcelona expires in 2026, will sign a new contract with the club.
The super agent once again reaffirmed that position, stating that the 17-year-old will remain at the Catalan club for a long time.
“Barcelona fans can be sure that the best young player in the world, and the best player in the world for the coming years, will sign for Barcelona.”
Mendes added that Lamine’s contract extension would happen soon, although he was unsure of the exact timing. “I don’t know when, but it will happen and it can happen at any time.”
On whether the contract will be signed when the The Masia Gem turns 18, Mendes responded: “I don’t know, but it will happen.
About the development of Lamine
Speaking about how quickly Lamine has grown and how meteoric his rise has been at such a young age, Mendes commented:
“I had the opportunity to discuss this recently. A player who played his first game at 15 and who at 16 already had unusual maturity.
“If you didn’t know his age, you would think he was a veteran because of his special talent. This is good because it shows that you are not feeling the pressure. “He is adverse and has shown that he is prepared for the highest levels.”
When asked if he had given any specific advice to the 17-year-old prodigy, Mendes said: “In today’s world of football there are many people trying to get closer to the players, and what Lamine should do is focus on his work and Barcelona, and nothing else.
“He needs to stick with his old friends and be careful who approaches the players.
“I have said it many times: 90% of players who achieve financial independence, who do not need to work and have enough money for themselves and their families to last a lifetime, lose everything.
Continuing he added: “It is important to find someone who can protect the players and advise them to avoid wrong paths, because there are many.
“They should not think about business but concentrate on their work, or in a year or two they will be worried about the money they lost somewhere.
“Lamine has everything to be number one in the world and, if he stays focused, avoids certain things and follows the best examples, he will win all the collective and many individual trophies.”
