Lamine Yamal turns 18: Successor to Messi, don't learn Neymar's bad habits

On July 13, 2025, Lamine Yamal celebrated his 18th birthday, a turning point in his career and life. He should avoid the bad habits of his idol Neymar.

Talent

No one doubts Lamine Yamal 's natural talent. He broke a series of records at both club and national team level.

At EURO 2024, Yamal became the youngest player to score in the history of the tournament, winning the championship with Spain with performances that amazed the world .

Yamal has a special talent. Photo: EFE

At Barcelona, he has been an irreplaceable pillar, compared to legends like Lionel Messi or Ronaldinho.

Yamal has expressed many times that he idolizes Neymar (visiting Neymar in Brazil during the summer) - the player who once dominated the world with his beautiful technique, spontaneous playing style, explosive personality and excellent dribbling.

There's nothing wrong with idolizing a player like Neymar. The Santos star was an icon of modern Brazilian football in his prime.

However, Yamal needs to learn from Neymar not only technique but also lessons about responsibility – especially things that the “Prince of Brazilian Football” does not do well.

Neymar – talent wasted by partying

Neymar was once expected to be the only one capable of breaking into the Lionel Messi – Cristiano Ronaldo race that lasted more than a decade.

In 2013, he moved to Barcelona and joined Messi and Suarez to form the famous “MSN” trio. From the Champions League to La Liga, he won all the club titles.

But Neymar's career then followed an unfortunate trajectory. He left Barca for PSG to escape Messi's shadow and dream of the Ballon d'Or.

Yamal idolizes Neymar. Photo: Instagram

Instead of improving, Neymar's physical and mental health declined. The reason? Partying, partying and lack of discipline.

Neymar is known for his lavish parties, mid-season trips , complicated love life and tumultuous social media.

Although he has never publicly admitted it, many coaches and former teammates believe that Neymar does not have the lifestyle of a top athlete.

His body could not handle the high tempo throughout the season, leading to constant injuries – especially during the knockout stages of the Champions League or World Cup.

With his natural talent, Neymar should have had a more illustrious career. But in the end, he only left regrets.

He has not and will never win the Ballon d'Or; he has not really become a leader at his club or the Brazilian national team.

Yamal – don't follow in the footsteps of your idols

Yamal is at the threshold that Neymar once crossed: 18 years old, at the peak of his career, shouldering huge expectations.

Unlike Neymar, Yamal grew up at La Masia academy - the place that trained humble players who know how to control their egos like Xavi, Iniesta and Messi.

Lamine Yamal was once involved in a love scandal with Fati Vazquez. Photo: GTRES

At 18, Yamal needs to see what lies behind Neymar's glamour. It's an unfinished career, unfortunate injuries, not reaching the heights expected.

Yamal can learn from Neymar in ball handling techniques, in the spirit of dedication to the audience, in the inspirational style of play. But he should not follow the way of life of indulgence, lack of discipline and easy temptation.

The modern world of football is much more brutal than it was 10 years ago. One small mistake – a night of partying too much, an unfortunate injury, or a personal scandal – can cost a career.

In recent weeks, Yamal has been at the centre of a lot of noise about partying and personal relationships . The image of the boy playing EURO 2024 while doing homework is no longer there.

Age 18 – the time to choose the path

At 18, no one can decide for Yamal anymore. His million euro contract with Barca officially takes effect.

Claudia Bavel, 29, once leaked private messages with Lamine Yamal. Photo: La Prensa

From here, you have to take full responsibility for your life and career. It's normal to idolize Neymar, but the important thing is whether you choose to study the right part or not.

Yamal has everything: talent, a regular place in the national team, recognition from experts, support from the club and millions of fans, competing for the Ballon d'Or with Ousmane Dembele.

But with that comes countless temptations: money, fame, social media, acclaim and many people are willing to applaud wrongdoings just to be close to a star.

At this moment, what Yamal needs most is not a beautiful goal or a viral trivela – a habit he has had in the past season, but a strong spirit.

You need a professional lifestyle like Messi and Ronaldo, knowing how to distinguish between temporary glamour and lasting value.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/lamine-yamal-sinh-nhat-18-tuoi-dung-hoc-tat-xau-cua-neymar-2421171.html