Overview

• Frank de Boer praised the Barcelona winger’s talent while cautioning that he must live up to Lionel Messi’s legacy and predicted he could contend for a Ballon d’Or if he maintains his current form.
• Adil Rami acknowledged Yamal’s on-field brilliance but condemned his off-field behavior, including sagging shorts, ostentatious diamond jewelry, and seizing the iconic No. 10 shirt from past legends.
• Rami said he was particularly offended by Yamal’s handshake with Cristiano Ronaldo and accused the youngster of emulating American prison-style fashion.
• Yamal’s July 13 birthday celebration, which banned mobile phones and hosted around 200 guests, has drawn legal scrutiny over alleged discriminatory hiring practices involving people with dwarfism.
• The 18-year-old prodigy recently signed a contract extension through 2031 with a €1 billion release clause, solidifying his status as Barcelona’s new No. 10 and a focal point of generational comparisons.