Lewandowski On How Young Talent Lamine Yamal Elevates His Game at Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski on how rising star Lamine Yamal sharpens his game at Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski has long been a commanding presence in world football, but even at 35, he refuses to rest on his laurels. Now a seasoned leader at Barcelona, Lewandowski openly credits the club’s youthful talents, especially rising star Lamine Yamal, for helping elevate his own performance.

• Top 10 Barcelona Forwards of All Time.

“When I see that I still don’t have to catch the young guys, that they still have to catch me, it means this next season can also be very good,” Lewandowski told BBC Sport. “I am still there to show the best performance from myself.”

The age gap between Lewandowski and Yamal spans nearly two decades. The teenager wasn’t even born when Lewandowski began his career, yet the veteran striker insists there is plenty he gains from training and playing alongside such gifted youngsters.

“I understood that I cannot fight with them, but I can help them, and they can also help me,” Lewandowski explained. “I learn from them a lot. I didn’t think it would happen like that.”

• Robert Lewandowski was close to playing under Sir Alex Ferguson at Man Utd.

Lamine Yamal’s talent was apparent almost from the start. Having trained with the first team at just 15 years old, Yamal quickly caught Lewandowski’s attention.

“It is the first time in my life I saw after 50 minutes that he had something special,” Lewandowski revealed. “I didn’t believe it because I didn’t see this kind of player at this age—I thought this is impossible at 15.”

For Lewandowski, this exchange between experience and youth creates a powerful dynamic.

• Top 10 Barcelona Forwards of All Time.

As the veteran striker continues to set the bar high for himself, the influence of emerging stars like Yamal helps him stay sharp and hungry in one of football’s most demanding environments.