MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 26: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Lamine Yamal during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
In a recent interview with ESPN, Barcelona’s veteran forward Robert Lewandowski spoke at length about Lamine Yamal, touching on his much-talked-about birthday celebrations.
Lewandowski also talked about his personality and the comparisons being made between Yamal and Real Madrid’s new signing, Franco Mastantuono.
The Pole’s statements come on the back of recent reports which suggest the veteran forward has built a solid relationship with Yamal in pre-season this summer.
Robert Lewandowski began by joking about Lamine Yamal’s now-famous birthday celebration, which made headlines across Spain.
**“Haha, Lamine is very young, he can enjoy life,**” Lewandowski said with a smile. **“He has to enjoy it now, because maybe in the future he won’t be able to.**“
“Of course, there will be tough moments for him about how to deal with everything around him, but at this age, you still can. It’s about finding the balance, and he’s a really good person,” he added.
From there, Lewandowski went on to talk about Yamal’s footballing personality and his individualism.
“Maybe people expect us to be perfect, but what does that even mean? Lamine shows his personality, and that’s good.
KOBE, JAPAN - JULY 27: FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal looks on during the preseason friendly between Vissel Kobe and FC Barcelona at Noevir Stadium Kobe on July 27, 2025 in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)
Lewandowski believes Yamal is a generational talent (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)
“The key is how he manages it over time because talent alone is enough at 20, but later, hard work becomes the most important thing,” he said.
Asked if Yamal’s emergence has made Real Madrid look for a similar player, the Pole didn’t hold back.
“They definitely feel pressure to find someone like Lamine, but I think that would be impossible, and it’s better for them to follow their own path.
“Of course, fans always expect us to find a new ‘Lamine,’ but such a player isn’t born every year – maybe once every ten years,” he said.
Lewandowski went on to talk about Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and how that comparison is applicable to Yamal.
“The same applies to Cristiano and Messi. You can’t find another ‘Messi’ or another ‘Cristiano,’ because they are unique,” he added.
Finally, Lewandowski talked about Real Madrid’s latest signing, Franco Mastantuono, who will wear the number 30 jersey for Los Blancos next season.
“You can’t compare players, especially at such a young age. Football puts enormous pressure on them, and many aren’t mentally ready for it.
“The question is, when they’re 24 or 28, will they still be at a high level? Starting so young makes it a huge challenge to stay at the top for ten years or more,” he concluded.