Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has singled out Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as one of his favourite players in world football right now, highlighting the growing influence and reputation of the England international on the global stage.
Yamal, widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in European football, was asked to name players outside of Barcelona who have impressed him most. Without hesitation, he responded: “Right now, outside of Barcelona, I think \[Ousmane\] Dembele or Bukayo Saka are doing really well.”
For Saka, the praise is yet another marker of how far he has come since breaking into the Arsenal first team. Now firmly established as one of the Premier League’s elite wingers, Saka has become a mainstay for both club and country. His consistency, flair, and maturity at just 23 years old have made him a role model for aspiring players—and clearly, he’s caught the attention of one of Europe’s top young stars.
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 07: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal watches an aerial ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Yamal’s admiration carries weight. The 17-year-old is seen as a generational talent at Barcelona and has already made waves with his electrifying performances at such a young age. That he places Saka in the same bracket as someone like Dembele, his former Barcelona teammate known for his dribbling and pace, is a sign of the high regard in which Saka is held across football circles.
For Arsenal fans, this recognition is further proof that Saka is not just a club hero but a global star. His performances this season have helped drive Arsenal’s title challenge in the Premier League and deep run in the Champions League. Operating mainly from the right wing, Saka has delivered double digits in both goals and assists, often coming up big in decisive moments.
What separates Saka from many of his contemporaries is not just his technical ability, but his mentality. He has shown remarkable resilience and leadership for someone so young, often carrying the team in tight contests and leading by example. His ability to create space, beat defenders, and finish clinically has earned him comparisons to some of the finest wingers in modern football.
Yamal’s comments are also a reflection of the changing football landscape. Young players around the world now look up to others their age—or only slightly older—as role models. The days of only idolising veterans are over. In Saka, Yamal sees not just a great player, but one who has set a standard for what can be achieved at a young age.
As Arsenal look to build a squad capable of sustained success at the highest level, Saka’s status as a world-class talent and an inspiration to others like Yamal is a huge asset. Not only does he deliver on the pitch, but he’s helping shape the next generation of stars—even those wearing the colours of Barcelona.