In recent days, Lamine Yamal has been in the spotlight not just for his talent, but for his vacation in Brazil alongside his idol, Neymar Jr. The 17-year-old FC Barcelona starlet shared images on social media enjoying the Brazilian sunshine — surfing with Gabriel Medina, playing barefoot football in Rocinha, and relaxing at Neymar’s luxury villa in Mangaratiba.

While many fans saw it as well-deserved downtime, others began questioning whether such an environment might negatively influence the young player. Neymar, despite his brilliant career, has often been criticized for his lifestyle, and some fear that his influence could derail the development of Barcelona’s new gem.

Szczęsny: “There’s no need for alarm”

Speaking out to calm the noise, Wojciech Szczęsny, FC Barcelona’s veteran goalkeeper and Yamal’s teammate, dismissed concerns in an interview with FoodTruckTV. “Everyone has their own path. Personally, I don’t see any alarming signs,” the Polish shot-stopper said.

Szczęsny reflected on the nature of iconic players like Neymar: “People say Neymar could have achieved more with a different mindset. But maybe, if he were different, he wouldn’t be the Neymar who inspires millions. Some players shine because they play with joy.”

“At 17, making mistakes is part of the process”

The 35-year-old goalkeeper expressed confidence in Yamal’s future, emphasizing the importance of those around him: “He’s only 17. He has the right — even the duty — to make some mistakes. The key is making sure those mistakes don’t leave lasting damage. That’s where his inner circle will be essential.”

For now, Lamine Yamal continues to make headlines for his brilliance on the pitch rather than off-field distractions. His development is being closely followed by Barça fans and football observers worldwide. With guidance from experienced voices like Szczęsny, the young prodigy seems set to stay on track and keep dazzling with his talent, without losing sight of what really matters.