"Real Madrid are definitely under pressure to find someone like Yamal. But that’s impossible, because players like him don't come along every year," Lewandowski told ESPN on 14/8, comparing Yamal to legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. "They are unique individuals, impossible to replicate."

Franco Mastantuono (left) made his Real Madrid debut on 14/8. Photo: Real Madrid FC

Franco Mastantuono (left) made his Real Madrid debut on 14/8. Photo: Real Madrid FC

Lewandowski's comments came after Real signed young midfielder Franco Mastantuono for a total fee of 72.6 million USD from River Plate. Born in 2007, Mastantuono is considered one of the brightest talents in Argentinian football.

However, Lewandowski believes comparing Mastantuono to Yamal only adds unnecessary pressure. "It's important for every player to forge their own path," the 36-year-old striker said.

At 17, Yamal has become a superstar. In the past year, he scored 24 goals, helping Spain win Euro 2024 and Barcelona secure a domestic treble: La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. The only blemishes were Barcelona's loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final and Spain's defeat to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final.

Yamal's rapid rise makes him a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or this year. However, he recently faced criticism for his 18th birthday party, which had a "mafia" theme and allegedly included hired little people as entertainment.

"Yamal is still very young; he needs to enjoy life. But at the same time, this is a difficult period for learning how to deal with everything around him. Finding balance is key," Lewandowski advised his younger teammate. "The media pressure will only increase in two, three, or four years, and he has to find a way to cope."

Robert Lewandowski celebrates a goal with Lamine Yamal during Barcelona's 4-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, on 26/10/2024. Photo: AP

Robert Lewandowski celebrates a goal with Lamine Yamal during Barcelona's 4-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, on 26/10/2024. Photo: AP

Yamal recently extended his contract with Barcelona until 2031, taking the club's iconic number 10 shirt, previously worn by Messi and Ronaldinho. Lewandowski believes the young talent will need to develop mental fortitude to handle the public and social media attention. "One day on social media, you're on top; the next, you can be at the very bottom. That puts a lot of pressure on you mentally and physically," the Polish striker explained.

Last season, Barcelona won all four matches against Real Madrid, achieving a domestic treble, including La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. However, Lewandowski predicts a tougher season this year with Real Madrid managed by Xabi Alonso, his former teammate at Bayern Munich. "Alonso has the potential to become one of the best coaches in the world. He's not only tactically astute but also knows how to bring out the best in each player," he commented.

Lewandowski is about to enter his 22nd professional season, boasting 31 major titles, including 10 Bundesliga titles, two La Liga titles, and one Champions League title. He insists he still has a burning desire to compete at the highest level, having rejected an offer of over 100 million USD per season from a Saudi Arabian club.

"It doesn't matter how many titles you have, what matters is how many more you want to win. I still feel healthy, strong, and have many goals to pursue with Barcelona," Lewandowski affirmed.

Hong Duy (from ESPN)