Famous football agent, Jorge Mendes, sat down with mundo deportivo recently for a wide-ranging interview, during which he discussed the rapid rise of FC Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and his contract situation.
Mendes, who represents some of the biggest names in football, including Cristiano Ronaldo, has watched Yamal rise through the close ranks at Barca and has 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 leading figures, if not the main one, in European football. He exceeded all expectations and has a unique talent, more talent than anyone.” Mendes said.
“He is very young, but he has a bright future in front of him and all the conditions to succeed at the highest level and become number one.”
Lamin should follow Ronaldo, Messi as examples
Mendes, who has guided the careers of many football stars including Ronaldo, talked about how to manage a player like Lamin.
“Cristiano is a great example for Lamin and all young players because of what he has achieved – a level that almost no one has been able to reach. He has scored almost 1,000 goals, which 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. He is still competing at almost 40, and is a great example for Lamin.
“If Lamine avoids mistakes and knows what to do, and I believe 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 discussed the comparisons between Lamin and the two greatest players of all time, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Cristiano and Messi should be examples for them – not to compare, but because they have lived for and for football,” Mendes said.
“There is no need to compare players; They are from different generations. I’m not saying they’re finished, because they’re still competing at their age, and that’s because they’ve done things right and taken care of themselves.
“Lamine should follow this example; There is no comparison with others.”
On the topic of comparisons with Messi, Mendes once again confirmed that Lamin should follow the example of the former Barcelona captain.
“Messi has always shown what a great professional he is and what an incredible player he is. He is definitely a good example.”
On the contract of Lamin Yamal
Mendes has already said publicly several times that Lamin Yamal, whose current contract at Barcelona expires in 2026, Will sign a new deal with the club,
The superagent once again confirmed that stance, saying that the 17-year-old will stay at the Catalan club for a very long time.
“Barcelona fans can rest assured that the best young player in the world and the best player in the world for years to come will sign for Barcelona.”
Mendes said that Lamine’s contract extension would be coming soon, although he was unsure of the exact timing. “I don’t know when, but it will happen, and it could happen at any moment.”
On whether and when the contract will be signed La Masia As Jem turned 18, Mendes replied: “I don’t know, but it will happen.
on the development of lamin
Talking about how fast Lamin has grown and how rapid his growth has been at such a young age, Mendes commented:
“I recently got a chance to discuss this. A player who played his first match at the age of 15 and at the age of 16 has developed a maturity that is beyond ordinary.
“If you didn’t know his age, you would think he was an experienced man because of his special talent. This is good because it shows that she doesn’t feel pressured. He’s averse to it, and he’s shown he’s ready for the highest level.”
Asked if he gave the 17-year-old wonderkid any special advice, Mendes said: “In today’s football world, there are a lot of people trying to get close to the players, and what Lamine should do is focus on his work and Barcelona, nothing else.
“They have to stick with their old friends and be careful of people who come close to the players.
“I’ve said it many times: 90% of players who achieve financial freedom, who don’t need to work and who have enough money to support themselves and their families for the rest of their lives, lose everything.
Continuing he further said: “It is important to find someone who can protect the players and advise them to avoid the wrong path, because there are many such people.
“They should not think about business but concentrate on their work, otherwise in a year or two they will be worried about the money they have lost somewhere.
“Lamine has everything to become number one in the world, and by staying focused, avoiding certain things and following the best examples, he will win all the collective trophies and many individual trophies.”