Lamine Yamal doesn't hide; the young talent from FC Barcelona has made a direct statement. To Kylian Mbappé and to anyone who crosses his path.
He did so in the documentary Inside Barça, which shows the club's day-to-day life and the team's evolution under Hansi Flick's leadership. In the third episode, the Rocafonda native is one of the main protagonists.
At just 17 years old, Yamal has made it clear that his success is no coincidence. He is convinced that his development has only just begun and he has no doubts: soon, the difference with the rest will be noticeable. It's not arrogance; it's pure confidence, a promise with no set date, but inevitable.
Growing inside and out
"Every year I'll improve, I'll gain experience and in my game. My body will keep growing and will keep changing. The difference with my rivals will be noticeable," says Barça's winger, confident in what he wants.
For Lamine, his development is not just physical, but also mental and tactical. Every match, every training session, brings him closer to a more complete version of himself. In his own words: "Every year will be better and I'll feel more comfortable," and that "more comfortable" is synonymous with more dangerous for any defense.
A warning bound for Paris
Although his words weren't directed specifically at Mbappé, the message is in the air. In future clashes between Spain and France, Lamine wants to be among the greats.
Mbappé, a symbol of speed, power, and leadership, represents the present. Meanwhile, Yamal is building his future step by step. He's doing it with the same boldness with which he faces any full-back at Camp Nou.
A Super Cup as a starting point
Lamine also recalled one of the key moments of the season: the Spanish Super Cup. That 2-5 against Real Madrid was more than a title; it was a statement of intent.
"The victory gave us a lot of confidence to start the year well. Beating our biggest rival was very important; losing would've been a very hard blow, but we won and it was very good for the team," he explained.
That match was a display of the competitive character of Flick's Barça. Meanwhile, Yamal doesn't want to be an eternal promise, but a resounding reality.
What's next: A new era
Lamine Yamal's story isn't a trend; it's a project and a warning. To Mbappé and to everyone who hasn't realized it yet. The young culé knows that his body, his mind, and his game are under construction, but the future is written: to define an era, and yes, as he himself says: "It'll be noticeable."