Lewandowski’s Advice to Yamal
In a recent interview, Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski shared advice with his young teammate Lamine Yamal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle to ensure longevity in his football career. At just 18, Yamal has already made a significant impact, emerging as a strong candidate for the prestigious Ballon d’Or this year. However, his rise to fame has not been without controversy; he faced backlash after reportedly hiring performers of short stature for his extravagant gangster-themed birthday celebration on July 13.
Handling Pressure and Media Scrutiny
Lewandowski, reflecting on Yamal’s young age, stated,
“Lamine is still experiencing the early joys of life, and it’s essential for him to enjoy it both on and off the pitch. With this spotlight comes pressure, and figuring out how to handle it will not be easy for him.”
He advised Yamal to appreciate this time in his life since such moments may not last forever. The Polish forward highlighted that navigating media scrutiny and public speculation would require resilience from Yamal.
“Handling external attention is crucial for the long term,”
Lewandowski noted, suggesting that the scrutiny Yamal faces could intensify over the years. Given his recent contract extension with Barcelona lasting until 2031, and his adoption of the legendary No. 10 shirt, Yamal’s future still holds much promise.
Comparisons and Unique Talents
Moreover, Lewandowski compared Yamal to Real Madrid’s latest recruit, Franco Mastantuono, a young Argentinian player acquired for €63 million from River Plate. The Barcelona star expressed that it’s unfair to compare players of such young ages, especially considering the pressure Madrid might feel to find someone like Yamal.
“Unique talents like Lamine don’t come around often,”
he explained. Lewandowski drew parallels to football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, stating that every generation produces its own exceptional players.
Looking Ahead to the New Season
Looking ahead to the new season, Lewandowski acknowledged the strength of Real Madrid, especially with the appointment of his former teammate Xabi Alonso as head coach.
“I believe he has a bright future ahead,”
he remarked, pointing out Alonso’s tactical acumen and ability to develop players. He acknowledged that while adapting can be challenging, Alonso is destined to succeed in his coaching career.
Lewandowski’s Ongoing Passion
As Lewandowski prepares to turn 37 on August 21, he enters his 22nd professional season with no intention of slowing down. With 31 major titles under his belt, including ten Bundesliga trophies and two LaLiga championships, he continues to aim for more victories.
“The total number of titles I have won doesn’t define me. What matters is my hunger for additional achievements,”
he commented. He asserted that maintaining good physical condition allows him to pursue personal and team goals, underscoring his ongoing passion for the game and commitment to Barcelona.
