Yamal is better than Ronaldo and Messi - Ferdinand crowns Spain ace best 17-year-old ever

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has made a bold claim about Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, stating the teenager is ahead of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at the same age.

Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the former England international praised the 17-year-old Spaniard's meteoric rise, suggesting that no one, not even the two greatest players of the modern era, matched Yamal's output at such a young age.

"Yes! Lamine Yamal is better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi at 17 years old," Ferdinand declared.

He added, “His potential or ceiling might be even higher. Those two have gone on to produce greatness and have the legacy, but if you’re talking about the body of work at 17, no one’s done it like him. Maybe Pele, but I didn’t see Pele. This guy is doing stuff that’s off the charts.”

Yamal, a product of La Masia, has taken the football world by storm. After a breakout campaign with Barcelona, he played a key role in their domestic treble win in the 2024/25 season.

His performances continued to impress on the international stage with Spain at Euro 2024, where he stood out as one of the tournament’s most electrifying talents.

Yamal’s influence has seen him break numerous records and emerge as a serious contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

While comparisons to Ronaldo and Messi are often reserved for established stars, Yamal's extraordinary progress has pushed many to draw parallels. Both Messi and Ronaldo had promising starts to their careers, but their breakout moments came in the years that followed their 17th birthdays.

Ferdinand, who played against both during their prime, emphasised that his remarks weren’t meant to downplay their legacies.

“What Messi and Ronaldo achieved is unmatched. But when you isolate what Yamal has done at 17, in terms of contribution, composure, and impact at the highest level—it’s remarkable. We’re watching history unfold," he added.

As fans around the world keep a close eye on the teenager’s development, the footballing world may just be witnessing the emergence of its next global superstar.