Evening Standard
·30 April 2025
Rio Ferdinand reveals what makes Lamine Yamal so special: 'Every facet of his game was on show'

Evening Standard
·30 April 2025
Yamal made his 100th Barcelona appearance tonight despite his meagre years
Lamine Yamal was at his best as Barcelona and Inter Milan drew 3-3
AP
Rio Ferdinand was not short of praise for Lamine Yamal as he broke down Barcelona’s thrilling 3-3 Champions League draw with Inter Milan.
Yamal, still just 17 years old, made his hundredth Barcelona appearance tonight, establishing himself firmly as the best young talents in football. He scored a stunning solo goal in the first half, which will earn warranted comparisons to the likes of Lionel Messi and Eden Hazard, committing five men before curling an effortless finish beyond Jann Sommer.
Ferdinand has gone so far as to call him ‘truly unbelievable’, writing on X during the match that he was ‘on another level to any player playing the game in the top 5 leagues.”
Speaking at full time, he expanded, analysing Yamal’s technique: “In the first half, we had one of the best seats in the house, just behind where Yamal was doing his damage and mesmerising the whole stadium.
“He was using every part of his foot today, the different details, different ways he was moving to receive the ball, every facet of his game today was on show.
Yamal’s performance stood out in a scintillating tie
AFP via Getty Images
“It was truly quite beautiful to be here and be a part of.”
“17 years old, 100 appearances, the way he takes over games is great to see.
“He can affect the game in so many ways, through playmaking, by running past people and eliminating players. To do that makes him a very special player.”
Ally McCoist, speaking on co-commentary, concurred, saying his performances reminded him of far more experienced players.
He said: “[Yamal’s first half was] the best individual 45 minutes you’ll see in a long, long time.
“To express himself, it's as if he's been playing for 15, 20 years. His game knowledge is incredible for a 17-year-old.
“There are so many aspects to his game today. It was absolutely first class.”