Barcelona prodigy views Kylian Mbappe as a ‘generational rival’, wins first battle

Lamine Yamal’s recent rise to stardom has ignited a brewing rivalry with Kylian Mbappe, marking a significant chapter in his young career.

At just 16 years old, Yamal has already made headlines by scoring a decisive goal against France in a Euro semi-final, positioning him as the football sensation of the year.

Interestingly, Yamal and Spain’s win over Mbappe and France was a glimpse of what we can expect from these in La Liga. Moreover, their battles extend beyond the football boundaries.

Yamal vs Mbappe: A rivalry beyond football

Back in February, Yamal signed for Adidas as the German sportswear giant saw immense potential in Yamal, even before he turned 17. Their bet on him was bold, placing him alongside football’s elite like Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham.

To seal the deal, Adidas employed a familiar strategy: they showed Yamal personal messages from Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, reports Mundo Deportivo. 

While Messi’s message touched him deeply, Mbappe’s message sparked a competitive fire. Despite the nine-year age gap, Yamal views Mbappe as a generational rival, a sentiment that was evident during their first face-off in Munich at the Euros.

Their initial encounter was a clear victory for Yamal, who outshone Mbappe, contributing to France’s defeat in the Euro semi-finals.

This performance cemented his status as an international sensation, with his jersey now a common sight in major sports shops across Germany and beyond.

Yamal’s rise has been meteoric, and his performance in the European Championship has put him in contention for prestigious awards like the Golden Boy and even the Ballon d’Or.

As Yamal’s 17th birthday approaches, the football world is abuzz with anticipation. His potential to secure his first major title as a professional looms large.

Despite his youth, Yamal’s talent and determination have already placed him in direct competition with Mbappe, something that is going to extend in La Liga next year since the Frenchman has signed for Real Madrid.

Interestingly, the rivalry with Mbappe promises to be a defining narrative in football, reminiscent of the legendary Messi-Ronaldo duels.