Lamine Yamal: Robert Lewandowski Warns Barcelona Wonderkid Over Off-Pitch Issues
- The FC Barcelona teen star is one of the top contenders for the 2025 France Football Ballon d'Or, alongside Ousmane Dembele
- Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski was blunt in his advice to Yamal, hitting the nail on the head with his words
- Lamine Yamal has lost his leading position in the latest Ballon d'Or rankings just weeks before the September 22 gala
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Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski has stepped up to offer some big-brother guidance to teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, who has found himself amid controversy just weeks after turning 18.
The Spain international, considered one of the frontrunners for this year's Ballon d'Or, has been grappling with some PR challenges off the field.
Source: Getty Images
Recently, the Spain international came under public scrutiny after reports emerged suggesting that he hired dwarves to entertain guests at his gangster-themed 18th birthday celebration on July 13.
Lewandowski advises Yamal
Lewandowski spoke to ESPN about Lamine, emphasising his youth and the importance of enjoying life. He noted that Lamine is at a stage where everything, both within football and beyond, is ahead of him.
While acknowledging that there will be challenges ahead, including how to manage the attention around him, Lewandowski encouraged Lamine to savour these moments while he can.
He highlighted the need for balance, as the demands of life may become more difficult in the future.
Lewandowski also spoke highly of the 2024 Golden Boy's character, mentioning that people may not fully understand their intention to showcase who they are.
He explained that Lamine, like others, will face speculation and scrutiny, but how he handles it in the long term will be crucial.
Ultimately, the Polish football great believes that Lamine Yamal, who is part of the projected Ballon d'Or top five players, will need to figure out for himself how to manage the media attention, especially as it may intensify over the next few years.
Source: Getty Images
Yamal needs to be mentally strong
The Poland international mentioned that Lamine is working hard, but also highlighted the challenges outside of football.
He pointed out the emotional rollercoaster that comes with social media, where one day you’re on top and the next, you're brought down.
He emphasised that this kind of pressure affects not just the body, but also the mind, and it will be something Lamine will need to figure out how to handle in the future.
Can Yamal win the 2025 Ballon d'Or?
As reported by GiveMeSport, Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Ousmane Dembele is currently the frontrunner to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or, leading the power rankings as of August 9, 2025, ahead of Lamine Yamal.
Dembele boosted his chances after adding the 2025 UEFA Super Cup trophy to the quadruple he won with Paris Saint-Germain during the 2024/25 campaign.
Why Yamal deserves Ballon d'Or
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that despite Lamine Yamal's off-pitch controversies, there are reasons he would be a worthy winner of the Ballon d'Or this year.
The 18-year-old, who leads a group of Barcelona players on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, enjoyed a standout 2024/25 season, contributing to his team's triple trophy victory.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
