Samuel Eto’o has voiced his admiration for FC Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, offering high praise for the teenager’s performances during a discussion at the 75th FIFA Congress held in Asunción.
The president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) made it clear which of the two emerging talents—Yamal or Ousmane Dembélé—has won his favour.
As one of Africa’s most decorated footballers and a respected voice in the global football community, Eto’o’s words carry significant weight. Now at the helm of FECAFOOT, the former striker took a moment on the international stage to share his thoughts on two of the most talked-about figures in modern football.
Speaking candidly about Yamal, the 17-year-old breakout star from Barcelona, Eto’o expressed deep admiration for the youngster’s potential and character.
“Lamine is an exceptional boy,” he said. “I hope he stays healthy to continue his development.”
Yamal, who has burst onto the scene with a string of dazzling performances, has already made history by becoming the youngest goalscorer in the history of the European Championship.
His maturity on the pitch, vision, and technical prowess have turned heads across Europe, drawing comparisons with football legends far older than him.
Eto’o’s comments add fuel to the growing consensus that Yamal could be one of the defining players of his generation.
The Barcelona academy graduate has not only earned a place in the senior team but has consistently contributed to crucial moments in high-stakes matches, further cementing his role as a cornerstone in the club’s future.
While Eto’o did not offer criticism of Ousmane Dembélé, the implicit comparison suggests that the former Indomitable Lions captain sees a brighter or more immediate future in Yamal’s path.
Dembélé, who has had a career marked by both flashes of brilliance and persistent injury woes, remains a highly talented figure in European football, currently plying his trade with Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Eto’o’s comments place the spotlight firmly on Yamal as the standard-bearer of the new generation. His words reflect not only personal admiration but also a wider belief that the sport’s next major stars are already making their mark—and that Lamine Yamal may be at the forefront of that transformation.
The discussion between the two players is particularly symbolic given Eto’o’s own history in La Liga, where he made his name with Mallorca and later became a legend at Barcelona.
His ability to assess talent, especially from within the Barça system, lends credibility to his endorsement of Yamal.
As Eto’o continues his work shaping the future of Cameroonian football off the pitch, his voice still resonates powerfully in international football circles.
His endorsement of Yamal will be seen as a significant nod from a man who knows what it takes to rise to the very top.
With major tournaments ahead and Yamal’s career still in its early chapters, the teenager now has another powerful supporter in his corner—one whose own legacy has been etched into the sport’s history.
