Lamine Yamal has played down comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo after being named best striker at the Globe Soccer Awards, insisting he is focused on establishing his own identity in the game. The 18-year-old, already one of football’s most respected teenagers, said he has little interest in being compared to past greats and would rather let his career unfold on his own terms.
“It’s best not to compare yourself to anyone,” Yamal said after the ceremony in Dubai. “I want to build my own path.
Yamal emphasized that even icons like Ronaldo have succeeded by staying true to themselves. “Players like Cristiano did what they did because they wanted to be themselves and not compare themselves to others,” he said, underlining the outlook that defined his rapid rise at club and international level.
That maturity stood out as Yamal continues to collect significant honors. In addition to the Best Striker award, he also received the Diego Armando Maradona Award at the Globe Soccer Awards, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s brightest young talents.
Earlier this year, Yamal finished second in the Best Men’s Player category behind Ousmane Dembele. In September, after also finishing second in the Ballon d’Or voting, the Barcelona forward was thinking more about the journey than the result.
“God’s plan is perfect, you have to climb to get to the top. Happy for the Kopa Trophy x2 and congratulations to Ousmane Dembele for the award and a great season,” wrote Yamal on Instagram.
His career has already been marked by historical milestones. At 16, Yamal became the youngest player to feature and score at Euro 2024, lifting the trophy with Spain shortly after turning 17. In less than two years, he continues to collect elite awards at an unprecedented pace.
Observers praised Yamal’s decision to avoid comparisons with Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, noting his focus on development, consistency and team success. With Barcelona chasing a return to Champions League contention and Spain preparing for the 2026 World Cup, that mindset could prove crucial.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
December 29, 2025
