'I Want My Own Journey': Lamine Yamal Downplays Cristiano Ronaldo Comparisons After Best Forward Award
Lamine Yamal has made it clear that he wants to carve out his own identity in football as his career continues to progress. After being named Best Forward at the Globe Soccer Awards, the 18-year-old addressed comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo and stressed that his ambition is to follow a unique route to the top of the game.
Lamine Yamal dismisses Cristiano Ronaldo comparisons after winning Best Forward at the Globe Soccer Awards, insisting he wants to create his own path in football.
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Speaking after receiving the award, Yamal explained that legendary figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo earned their status by staying true to themselves rather than measuring their careers against others. He noted that this approach is something he hopes to mirror as he continues his rise in world football.
Yamal focused on forging his own career path
Yamal’s early career suggests he is already creating a path of his own, having consistently rewritten history with his achievements at such a young age. His rapid rise has placed him among the most highly regarded wonderkids the sport has ever seen.
At just 16, Yamal both played and scored at Euro 2024, becoming the youngest player to accomplish those milestones. He went on to win the tournament with Spain shortly after turning 17, adding another remarkable chapter to his early career.
Less than 18 months later, Yamal finished as the runner-up in the 2025 Ballon d’Or. He has now added two more major honours to his collection, being named Best Forward and receiving the Diego Armando Maradona Award at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai. Ousmane Dembele was also recognised on the night, winning the Best Male Player award after an outstanding year with Paris Saint-Germain.
Yamal reacts after Best Forward recognition
According to Fabrizio Romano on X, Yamal shared his thoughts after collecting the Best Forward prize at the ceremony. He explained that avoiding comparisons is important, stating that the greatest players succeeded because they chose to be themselves.
Yamal added that his focus remains on building his own journey in the sport, rather than being measured against established legends of the game.
A standout 2025 places Yamal among football’s elite
Throughout 2025, Yamal has been part of discussions surrounding football’s most prestigious individual awards. He is widely considered a strong contender for future Ballon d’Or and Best Male Player honours if he maintains his current level and secures further major trophies with Barcelona and Spain.
Barcelona currently sit at the top of La Liga but have not lifted the Champions League trophy for ten years. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the next phase of Yamal’s career could add even more defining moments to his already impressive journey.
Following his Ballon d’Or disappointment earlier in the year, Yamal shared a message on Instagram in September congratulating Ousmane Dembele. He reflected on patience and progress, expressing gratitude for winning the Kopa Trophy for the second time and acknowledging Dembele’s award and strong season.
Yamal determined to be recognised on his own terms
Although comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and past greats are inevitable, Yamal has underlined his desire to be seen as an individual rather than a successor. Barcelona’s emerging star is intent on reaching the top in his own way.
The teenager believes there is still significant room for growth in his game. His rapid development so far has already proven difficult to compare with others, and the potential of what he could still achieve remains striking as his journey continues.
