‘He’s the greatest player of all time’

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has outlined who is the greatest player of all time, although the inspiration behind his own talent on the pitch comes from someone else.

It’s been a pretty immense 12 months for 17-year-old Yamal. The teenage prodigy won the European Championship with Spain in the summer before scooping the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris. He also currently sits at the top of La Liga after Barcelona’s monumentally strong start to the 2024/25 campaign.

His success in a Barca shirt was highlighted during October’s El Clasico clash in which the Catalans demolished fierce rivals Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. But it’s more than just his skills with a ball at his feet that have impressed fans, with Yamal’s meteoric rise in football translating onto the fashion stage too.

In a recent interview with Highsnobiety on his introduction into the fashion world, Yamal unveiled some of his biggest influences and the players he looks up to in the game.

“[Lionel] Messi is obviously the greatest of all time and someone I always enjoy watching, but my idol when I was younger was Neymar because of his way of playing and his style,” he explained. “I’ve watched all his videos, and he inspired me to try new things on the pitch.

“As for fashion, I like it, and I pay attention to it, but I try to create my own style. I like wearing a bit of everything and mixing things up.”

Yamal wore special edition custom braces during Barca’s huge win over Madrid – donning blue and red gems designed by fashion brand Twojeys.

“I like the details and unique designs in jewellery,” he continued. I try to make sure all the accessories I wear have an important meaning to me. As for TwoJeys, I like that they’re bold and create new things.”

Yamal made sure to outline his dreams in a Spain shirt, admitting that he hopes to achieve success with his nation.

“I feel really good and eager to achieve important things with Barca and the National Team. I’m aware that I’m very young, just starting out, and that I have many things to improve and keep learning.

“I try to focus on the competitions I’m playing right now, which are the league and the…