Former Barcelona and Spain striker David Villa has expressed his admiration for Lamin Yamal after his rapid rise to the top.

Yamal had a phenomenal 2024, winning UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain, where he was named the best young player of the tournament.

The La Masia graduate also picked up prestigious individual honors including the Copa Trophy and the Golden Boy Award.

In a recent interview with, Villa was quick to praise the young sensation A.SSaying: “He’s an incredible kid. How he plays, how he understands football… It’s true that I don’t know him personally, but I’ve been with him many times and he looks very calm and focused.

“This is not a footballer’s outburst that will last for a few months.

“He was there for a while where, you could say, he might have made a mistake and the opposite is true. He is very good and every time you see him play he plays better.

“He also knows what it means to be a champion.”

David Villa: “I wouldn’t compare Lamin Yamal with Messi, I think it’s annoying to compare any player with Messi, Lamin is already a world star and has achieved important things in the last two years and I’m sorry for him and for the fans. Very excited. Right to be excited for that… pic.twitter.com/iq37BnMdrB

— Barca Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 6, 2025

When asked about the comparison between Lamin and Lionel Messi, Villa countered that the two are not compatible.

“I think comparing any player with Messi is annoying these days. Lamine Yamal is already a world star,” added Villa.

“He has been achieving important things for two years and as a cull, I am excited again.

“And of course the fans have the right to be excited about him, but I don’t think it’s necessary to compare him to Messi because he’s going to have a very good career.”

A tight La Liga title race

David Villa also shared his thoughts on the current LaLiga title race, which sees his former clubs Barcelona and Atletico Madrid go head-to-head with reigning champions Real Madrid.

While Villa is enjoying seeing Atletico and Barcelona in contention, he has warned both against underestimating Real Madrid.

🎂 Happy Birthday, David Villa! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/nAqnwRk2vd

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 3, 2024

He said: “Well, keep an eye on Madrid though. They are always there. Well, in short, they are the biggest club in the country and in the last few years they have shown, why don’t you say, a lot of superiority over the rest.

“Looking at their signings, it was clear that the three of them were going to be back in the fight and the truth is that it’s great.

“It’s fantastic for football fans to have a competition between more than two teams or with a very prominent leader.

“Of course, I like two of those three teams a lot because of my past with them and the truth is I’m enjoying it a lot.

“Hopefully the league will continue like this until the end. I want the league to be decided at the last minute… and be between Atlético and Barca.