Is this what cost the Gunners?

Lamine Yamal's performance in Barcelona's latest Champions League campaign left a lasting impression on one of the club's former greats.

Lamine Yamal could be one of the favorites to win the next Ballon d'Or, according to Neymar. That Lamine Yamal is one of the biggest breakout stars in world soccer in recent decades is beyond debate. Not only fans see him that way, but so do some of his peers. In this case, Neymar singled out the young Barcelona winger as a potential Ballon d’Or winner in the near future. “I truly believe he is one of the greatest teenage sensations soccer has ever seen,” Neymar said about Yamal in a recent interview with Ziggo Sport. “There was Messi, there was me… but what this kid is doing at 18 years old is simply unreal.” The Brazilian star echoed what has become clear when analyzing Yamal’s performances: his rapid rise to the top of world soccer. In three months, he will turn 19 and is already one of the best players on the planet, achieving that status much earlier than most of this century’s legends. In fact, at that age Neymar was just beginning to stand out with Santos and was not selected for 2010 FIFA World Cup with the Brazil national team. Messi, meanwhile, was not yet a key figure for Argentina or Barcelona at that stage. Lamine Yamal of Barcelona Yamal a Ballon d’Or favorite, according to Neymar In the same interview, Neymar also addressed Barcelona’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League this week against Atletico Madrid, particularly focusing on what it meant for Lamine Yamal. “I felt for him when they were eliminated from the UCL. He gave everything and even sparked the comeback,” said the Santos forward. “But that’s soccer—anything can happen.” Despite that setback, Neymar believes Lamine Yamal will continue his rise to the top of world soccer, with plenty of success ahead, including in the Champions League. “His time is coming. I hope he wins it next year,” Ney said. “And why not the Ballon d’Or as well? He’s special—one of those players I’ll always be rooting for.” Yamal has already come close to the Ballon d’Or Neymar naming an 18-year-old as a Ballon d’Or favorite may seem premature, but recent performances support that claim. Lamine Yamal has been so impressive that, despite his age, he already came close to winning the award last year. At the 2025 ceremony, France Football awarded the prestigious prize to Ousmane Dembele for his performances with Paris Saint-Germain. However, Yamal finished close behind, placing second in the voting after shining for Barcelona and Spain.

In a recent report, Fichajes stated that Liverpool have intensified their efforts to land Newcastle United ace Anthony Gordon. It has been mentioned that the Reds are eyeing a move to bring the English talent to Anfield this summer. Gordon’s Impressive Form In English Football Gordon has enjoyed a good run of form at the […] The post Liverpool Have Intensified Their Efforts To Land This Newcastle United Ace: Good Fit For The Reds? appeared first on The 4th Official - A view from the sideline.

Vincenzo Italiano admits Bologna’s ‘season is basically over now’ after the 2-0 defeat to Juventus,...

Keane and Co watched on for Sky Sports at the Etihad on Sunday as Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland scored to ensure City moved to within three points of the Gunners in the title race.

On the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed that Manchester United are keeping tabs on Bournemouth youngster Eli Junior Kroupi this summer. O’Rourke said, “Obviously we know with Bournemouth, they’ve had their difficulties trying to keep hold of their best players. “Bournemouth know if the big clubs come calling, […] The post Manchester United Are Keeping Tabs On This Bournemouth Youngster: One For The Future? appeared first on The 4th Official - A view from the sideline.

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Defender escaped being sent off against Man City - but is he out of the woods yet?