Lamine Yamal has named Germany’s David Raum and Portugal’s Nuno Mendes as the toughest defenders he has faced, following a breakout year in which the Spanish-Moroccan teenager emerged as one of world football’s brightest talents.
The FC Barcelona winger delivered a stunning campaign, scoring 18 goals for his club and playing a key role in Spain’s triumphant run at Euro 2024. Widely regarded as a generational talent, Yamal’s performances at both domestic and international levels have already earned him comparisons to the sport’s elite.
Despite his dominance over many defenders throughout the season, the 17-year-old acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Raum during Spain’s quarter-final clash with Germany at the Euros.
“David Raum is the most difficult opponent I’ve ever faced. Against Germany, he was very hard to disrupt. He’s a solid defender,” Yamal said in comments reported after the tournament.
Although Yamal did not score in that match, Spain overcame Germany and advanced to the final, where they defeated England to lift the European Championship trophy.
It marked a significant milestone in the young winger’s career, solidifying his place as a central figure in Spain’s future.
Following the Euros, Yamal also participated in the UEFA Nations League, where Spain reached the final but fell to Portugal in a dramatic penalty shootout. In that decisive match, the Barcelona prodigy encountered another standout opponent in Nuno Mendes.
The Paris Saint-Germain full-back earned high praise from Yamal, who described him as “the toughest rival of [his] career,” according to comments published by ESPN.
Mendes has enjoyed a remarkable season of his own. With PSG, the Portuguese international secured four major trophies, including the UEFA Champions League, where he was instrumental in neutralising some of Europe’s most dangerous forwards, including Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka.
His influence has extended to the international stage as well, with his goal in the Nations League final helping Portugal edge past Spain.
The left-back’s consistency, maturity, and technical ability have not gone unnoticed, with pundits and fans alike touting him as a potential Ballon d’Or contender. Mendes, however, remains grounded.
“For now, I’m going to rest, because it’s been an intense season. The Ballon d’Or? I’m focusing on my football. Other players are closer to that trophy. It’s not my priority,” he said following the final.
Yamal’s reflections offer insight into the rising standards of defensive play in modern football, as well as the mutual respect shared among elite players.
While his own star continues to ascend, the challenges posed by Raum and Mendes stand out in what has been a breakthrough season filled with accolades and high-level competition.
As the next generation of football talent begins to shape the global stage, rivalries such as Yamal versus Mendes promise to define the coming years.
For now, the teenage sensation remains focused on building upon an already extraordinary start to his career, while defenders like Raum and Mendes continue proving they belong among the game’s best.
