Barcelona prodigy’s agent confirms plans for renewal, advises him to follow Ronaldo, Messi

Jorge Mendes, the renowned football agent, sat down with Mundo Deportivo for an extensive interview recently, during which he discussed the rapid rise of FC Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and his contract situation.

Mendes, who represents some of the biggest names in football, including Cristiano Ronaldo, has seen Yamal’s rise through the ranks at Barça from close ranks and backed him to become the best player in the world.

“He is doing very well. Last year, he showed he is one of the main figures, if not the main one, in European football. He exceeded all expectations and has a unique talent, more talent than anyone,” said Mendes.

“He is very young, but he has a bright future ahead of him and all the conditions to succeed at the highest level and become number one.”

Lamine should consider Ronaldo, Messi as examples

Mendes, who has guided the careers of many football stars, including Ronaldo, spoke about how to manage a player like Lamine.

“Cristiano is a great example for Lamine and all young players because of everything he has achieved – a level that almost no one has reached. He’s scored nearly 1,000 goals, something no one else has done,” said Mendes.

“Lamine has a good example, not just on the field but also off the field, in how Cristiano has managed his career. At nearly 40, he is still competing, and that’s a very good example for Lamine.

“If Lamine avoids mistakes and knows what to do, and I believe he is aware of his responsibilities, he has all the conditions to succeed at the highest level of world football. I don’t see anyone else with his talent. He is number one.”

Mendes also discussed the comparisons between Lamine and two of the greatest players of all time, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Cristiano and Messi should be examples for him – not to compare, but because they have lived for and by football,” Mendes stated.

“There’s no need to compare players; they’re from different generations. I’m not saying they’re finished, because they’re still competing at their age, and that’s because they’ve done things right and taken care of themselves.

“That’s the example Lamine should follow; there are no comparisons with others.”

On the topic of comparisons with Messi, Mendes once again affirmed that Lamine should follow the former Barcelona captain’s example.

“Messi has always shown what a great professional he is, and he’s an incredible player. He is a good example, for sure.”

On Lamine Yamal’s contract

Mendes has already stated multiple times in public that Lamine Yamal, whose current contract at Barcelona expires in 2026, will sign a new deal with the club.

The superagent once again reaffirmed that stance, stating that the 17-year-old will remain at the Catalan club for a very long time.

“The Barcelona fans can rest assured that the best young player in the world, and the best player in the world for the coming years, will sign for Barcelona.”

Mendes added that Lamine’s contract extension would happen soon, though he was uncertain of the exact timing. “I don’t know when, but it will happen, and it can happen at any moment.”

On whether the contract will be signed when the La Masia gem turns 18 years old, Mendes replied: “I don’t know, but it will happen.

On Lamine’s development

Talking about how rapidly Lamine has grown and how meteoric his rise has been at such a young age, Mendes remarked:

“I had the chance to discuss this recently. A player who, at 15, played his first match, and by 16, had a maturity that’s beyond normal.

“If you didn’t know his age, you would think he was a veteran because of his special talent. This is good because it shows he doesn’t feel the pressure. He’s adverse to it, and he has shown he is ready for the highest levels.”

When asked if he had given the 17-year-old wonderkid any specific advice, Mendes said: “In today’s football world, there are many people trying to get close to players, and what Lamine must do is focus on his work and Barcelona, and nothing else.

“He needs to continue with his old friends and be careful with those who get close to players.

“I’ve said this many times: 90% of players who achieve financial independence, who don’t need to work and have enough money for themselves and their families for life, lose everything.

Continuing he added: “It’s important to find someone who can protect the players and advise them to avoid the wrong paths, because there are many.

“They shouldn’t think about business but focus on their work, or in a year or two, they’ll be worried about the money they lost somewhere.

“Lamine has everything to be number one in the world, and by staying focused, avoiding certain things, and following the best examples, he will win all the collective trophies and many individual ones.”