Becker Sees Himself in Lamine Yamal

Boris Becker, the youngest man ever to win Wimbledon, has admitted that Lamine Yamal reminds him of himself at 17. Yamal, who debuted for Barcelona at just 15, has already lifted two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, and even Euro 2024 with Spain. At 18, he is not only Barcelona’s golden boy but one of football’s brightest stars. Becker applauds his brilliance but warns that a rise this fast comes with immense pressure.

A Champion’s Warning

Speaking to TalkSport, Becker didn’t hold back: “Lamine is winning everything, he’s the best young player in the world, but that reminds me of young Boris Becker at 17. Choose your friends wisely, trust your family, and build a network of security so you don’t make obvious mistakes.” The German reflected on how his Wimbledon triumph brought fame, money, and attention overnight — along with the risks that nearly derailed him.

The Pressure of Being a Teenage Superstar

Yamal’s stats are jaw-dropping: 18 goals and 21 assists in a single season, youngest scorer in El Clásico, and the first player to ever retain the Kopa Trophy. But Becker stressed that such success can be a double-edged sword: “When you win at 17, everything you do becomes world news.” The tennis icon believes this is a crucial moment for Yamal to mature off the pitch and prepare for the challenges that fame inevitably brings.

Building His Own Legacy

Unlike Becker’s era, today’s Barcelona offers better structures to protect young talents. Yamal is surrounded by players like Pedri and Gavi and managers who understand the weight of early success. His true challenge now is to stay grounded, avoid distractions, and continue growing as a leader. If he does, Yamal could redefine what it means to balance fame, fortune, and football — becoming not just Barcelona’s star, but a generational icon.