Lamine Yamal is a genius and what makes him even more special is his maturity

Barcelona president Laporta calls Lamine Yamal a genius, praising his technical qualities and exceptional maturity for his age.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has given an interview to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf while in New York for the third Johan Cruyff Memorial. Speaking ahead of a legends match between Barcelona and Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Sunday—a tribute to Cruyff ten years after his death—Laporta discussed the club's ambitions and young talent.

When asked about comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Barcelona greats like Messi and Cruyff, Laporta said: "Lamine Yamal is a genius, a very special footballer with extraordinary technical qualities, creativity and an exceptional ability to beat opponents.

What makes him even more extraordinary is his maturity and his understanding of the game at such a young age." He emphasized that Yamal deserves the chance to write his own history and build his own legacy, having come through La Masia academy.

Laporta stressed Barcelona's responsibility to protect Yamal's development and create the right sporting environment around him. He also reiterated the club's ambition to compete for all titles in La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, while maintaining Barcelona's identity of attractive, offensive and brave football.