Former Barcelona midfielder Emmanuel Petit has issued a stern warning to rising star Lamine Yamal, urging him to stay grounded.
The 18-year-old Barcelona forward, who recently inherited Lionel Messi’s iconic No.10 shirt, has been hailed for his creativity and composure.
His dazzling performances have drawn comparisons with football legends, sparking conversations about his future greatness.
However, Petit believes the teenager must tread carefully to avoid falling into the trap of arrogance and off-field distractions.
He noted that Yamal’s immense talent could propel him to the highest level, but only if matched with humility.
Petit, speaking to Spanish outlet AS, praised the young Spaniard’s skills while also sounding a note of caution.
“He has technical brilliance, vision and intelligence. If he sustains this level, he can win the Ballon d’Or,” Petit said.
The French World Cup winner compared Yamal’s path to that of Kylian Mbappe, whose career trajectory offers valuable lessons.
“It’s similar to Mbappe: for years everything was green, then suddenly everything collapsed and he wasn’t the same on the pitch,” Petit explained.
He warned that hype, social media, and arrogance can derail even the brightest talents.
“Sometimes a touch of arrogance comes across. Yamal needs to be careful with communication and social media,” he added.
Petit stressed that Yamal’s biggest challenge lies away from the pitch.
While talent has made him a European champion with Spain and a treble winner with Barcelona, consistency and maturity will determine his long-term legacy.
“Right now everything is going well, but if something negative happens, there will be plenty waiting to bring him down. We’ll see how he reacts,” Petit said.
According to him, the teenager’s ability to handle criticism and remain disciplined will be crucial as fame grows.
Furthermore, Petit argued that Yamal’s true greatness will be judged in the Champions League, where legends cement their reputations.
He is actually right. Be confident but not arrogant. Yamal is destined for greatness