Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has heaped fresh praise on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, describing the 18-year-old forward as “the chosen one” and a potential football genius capable of defining his generation.
Speaking in an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Xavi reflected on Yamal’s exceptional talent and the confidence that convinced him to hand the youngster his Barcelona debut.
“He’s the ‘chosen one,’ he could be one of the geniuses in the history of football, and it depends on him — his ambition, his passion,” Xavi said.
The former Barcelona coach, who managed the Catalan giants until 2024, recalled being amazed by Yamal’s performances even as a teenager.
“At 15 or 16 years old, he would dribble past professionals, and even in training, the coaching staff often wondered who was the best and practically every day, or almost, it was him,” he said.
Xavi compared Yamal’s skills to some of football’s greats, adding: “He did special things, things you’d only see Neymar or Messi do. I saw him ready, and I wasn’t afraid. He wasn’t afraid either, he had no complexes, he can make a difference. What he does at his age is wonderful.”
The Barcelona legend also used the interview to reflect on his own playing career and near moves away from the club. He revealed that Inter Milan and Bayern Munich had tried to sign him during difficult times at the Camp Nou.
“In 2008, when we were coming off a rough patch at Barcelona and many blamed me for not bringing the team forward, Inter wanted me,” he explained. “Bayern Munich was also interested, but Guardiola eventually took over as first-team coach, and that changed everything.”
He further revealed that he was close to joining AC Milan earlier in his career. “I spoke with Galliani after the U-20 World Cup with Spain. The Rossoneri really liked me, but I decided to stay at Barcelona,” he added.
Xavi’s remarks underline both his admiration for Yamal’s extraordinary abilities and his deep loyalty to Barcelona, the club where he spent the majority of his career as player and coach.
