The Spain international recently won the Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year for 2026 following his immense contributions to club and country but has his eyes set on this year’s Ballon d’Or.
At just 18 years old, Yamal has taken the world by storm and as he aims to lift the league title with Barcelona, he can only be compared to the world’s greatest players.
Speaking to Stake, Aguero revealed that Yamal is very similar to club legend Lionel Messi, who is often dubbed as the best player of all time.
“There are many people who make different comparisons, but as a player, and based on my experience in football, he is one who is as good as the very best. Having good and bad games is normal - I want everyone to go and watch him. The movements, the passes, the dribbling, the agility he has and how he gets out of situations that look impossible… the guy who did that before was Leo Messi.
“Today there is no comparison for me. Lamine is above many players. Maybe you can say Mbappé today, but we know the kind of player he is - very aggressive in 1v1, he has goals, he’s very good. But Lamine has other things that not many have.
“I like those short passes and those decisions… they are different. It’s very difficult to stop Lamine. As a player it’s very complicated. Beyond some games, today he is showing it. When I started watching Barça after he broke through I had no words to describe it. He has a talent that is very difficult to find. You have to enjoy him.”
The teenager has 24 goals and 18 assists in all competitions this term and will aim to continue his form into the World Cup which will only boost his chances of becoming the first Barcelona player since Messi to lift the Ballon d’Or.