Barcelona’s Prodigy Lamine Yamal Names His Favorite Premier League Star — and It’s Not Who You’d Expect

Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has once again caught the attention of the football world — not just for his dazzling performances on the pitch, but for his latest revelation about the player he most admires in world football.

Speaking in a post-match interview with Spanish outlet El Mundo Deportivo, the 17-year-old winger stunned reporters when he named Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo as his favorite player to watch in the Premier League — describing the Cameroonian forward as “a rare breed in modern football.”

“I’ve played alongside and against top players — Raphinha, Nico Williams, Dembélé — all incredible talents,” Yamal began.

“But Mbeumo… there’s something different about him. His decision-making, his confidence, his ability to create something from nothing — it’s inspiring. I love watching how calm he is in big games. He reminds me that football is about intelligence, not just flair.”

“He Plays With His Head, Not Just His Feet” – Yamal on Mbeumo’s Brilliance

In an era where young players are drawn to flashy dribbling and highlight-reel moments, Yamal’s praise for Mbeumo was a refreshing sign of maturity. The Barcelona winger elaborated that Mbeumo’s style of play — technical yet composed — resonates deeply with how he wants to develop as a footballer.

“He plays with his head, not just his feet,” Yamal continued.

“The way he finds space, the way he links up with teammates, and even his defensive work — it’s top level. You can tell he understands football in a different way. That’s something I want to learn from.”

Mbeumo, who joined Manchester United under Ruben Amorim’s new regime, has been a revelation this season. His tactical discipline, creativity, and work rate have quickly made him a key figure in United’s attacking setup — and it seems his influence is now reaching beyond the Premier League.

Cole Palmer Once Said the Same — “Mbeumo Is Criminally Underrated”

Interestingly, Yamal’s comment isn’t the first of its kind. Earlier this season, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer also named Mbeumo as one of the most underrated attackers in Europe, stating in an interview with Sky Sports:

“I’ve faced him a couple of times, and honestly, people don’t talk about him enough. He’s sharp, strong, and unpredictable. If he played for a bigger team earlier, everyone would be calling him world-class.”

Now that Mbeumo is shining on one of the biggest stages — playing for Manchester United — it’s no surprise that young stars like Yamal and Palmer are taking notice.

Mbeumo’s Journey to Respect — From Brentford to Manchester United

Bryan Mbeumo’s rise has been anything but conventional. From humble beginnings at Brentford, where he helped the club secure Premier League stability, to his headline-grabbing transfer to Old Trafford, Mbeumo’s trajectory has been a testament to persistence and self-belief.

Under Ruben Amorim, Mbeumo has become more than just a winger — he’s now a complete forward capable of operating across the front line. His performances this season, especially against top rivals like Liverpool and Arsenal, have earned him widespread praise from pundits and fans alike.

Former United legend Rio Ferdinand described him as “a coach’s dream — disciplined, efficient, and always switched on.”

How Yamal’s Admiration Reflects the Modern Football Shift

Yamal’s comments reveal a deeper shift in the mindset of the new generation of footballers. Instead of idolizing only superstars like Mbappé or Haaland, young talents like Yamal are studying players who combine intelligence with consistency — traits that define long-term success.

Football analysts in Spain even noted that Yamal’s admiration for Mbeumo makes sense stylistically. Both players thrive on positioning, vision, and timing, rather than relying solely on raw speed or trickery.

“Yamal sees in Mbeumo the kind of player he wants to become — smart, efficient, and dangerous in every moment,” said Spanish journalist Juan Mataz.

“It’s not about the fame; it’s about football IQ.”

Fans React: “Even Barcelona Knows He’s Special”

As soon as Yamal’s quote went viral, social media erupted with reactions from fans across both Spain and England.

Some Manchester United fans were quick to celebrate:

“Even Barcelona’s golden boy rates Mbeumo. Amorim knew exactly what he was doing bringing him in.”

Liverpool supporters, however, couldn’t resist some banter:

“Of course he loves Mbeumo — he’s the reason we lost at Anfield!”

And Barcelona fans chimed in with pride for their young star’s football maturity:

“This kid doesn’t just play football — he studies it. That’s why he’s special.”

Mbeumo Responds with Class

When reporters asked Mbeumo about Yamal’s comments after United’s training session, his response was humble yet powerful.

“Wow, that means a lot coming from a talent like him,” Mbeumo said.

“I’ve watched Yamal play too — he’s fearless, creative, and has that Barcelona DNA. Football is about learning from each other, and I’m honored he appreciates my style.”

Conclusion: Mutual Respect Across Generations

In an age where football often thrives on rivalry and ego, it’s refreshing to see genuine mutual respect between two players separated by clubs, leagues, and even generations.

Lamine Yamal’s admiration for Mbeumo proves one thing — that greatness isn’t always about fame or headlines, but about the consistency, discipline, and intelligence you bring to the game.

And as fans eagerly await Manchester United’s next fixture, one thing is certain: Bryan Mbeumo’s influence is now global.