Spanish-Moroccan Lamine Yamal sparks concern at Barcelona amid claims he is ‘now imitating Neymar’

Barcelona officials are increasingly uneasy over what they describe as Lamine Yamal’s growing off-field resemblance to Neymar, raising internal questions about the teenager’s long-term discipline and focus.

Club executives fear the winger may be adopting behaviours once associated with the Brazilian, prompting a series of quiet warnings from senior figures at the Camp Nou.

Yamal, who is of Moroccan and Equatoguinean heritage, remains one of Barcelona’s most valued prospects, yet his recent choices have generated debate within the boardroom.

His status as a rising figure in the Spanish national setup has intensified scrutiny of how he manages his image, associations, and daily conduct.

The concerns were detailed by OkDiario analyst Eduardo Inda during his appearance on El Chiringuito, where he referenced internal sentiments held by Barcelona officials.

He said leaders at the club believe the youngster is “Neymarizing”, suggesting he may be copying behaviours once linked to the former Barcelona attacker.

Inda added that some of Yamal’s off-field preferences mirror aspects of Neymar’s earlier years in Catalonia.

Inda explained that the club would prefer Yamal to draw inspiration from Lionel Messi, praising the Argentine for his discipline, longevity, and consistent professionalism.

He said officials consider Messi a healthier model for a young player expected to anchor the club’s future attack.

“They ask him to imitate Messi,” he noted, contrasting the examples offered by the two former teammates.

The pundit also pointed to Barcelona’s unease over Yamal’s trip to Rio de Janeiro last summer, where he spent ten days with Neymar.

That visit, according to Inda, heightened concerns that the teenager was cultivating an influence that some within the club consider counterproductive for his development.

However, Inda highlighted aspects of Yamal’s lifestyle that the club views positively, pointing to habits that may support longevity.

He noted that Yamal abstains from alcohol and follows practices aligned with his faith, factors seen as beneficial as his career evolves.