Cristiano Ronaldo’s former agent claims Al-Nassr star ‘will always be the best player of all time’ ahead of Lionel Messi as Lamine Yamal is urged to follow his example to win Ballon d’Or
Jorge Mendes, the renowned football agent who previously represented Cristiano Ronaldo, has recently reaffirmed his belief that Ronaldo is the greatest football player of all time, surpassing Lionel Messi. Mendes emphasized Ronaldo’s unparalleled achievements and work ethic as benchmarks for aspiring talents.
In discussions about emerging star Lamine Yamal, Mendes advised the young Barcelona forward to emulate Ronaldo’s dedication and focus to reach the pinnacle of football success. He stated, “If he [Yamal] doesn’t get distracted and always stays focused, I have no doubt that Lamine will win the Ballon d’Or, not once but several times.”
Yamal, who has often cited Lionel Messi as his childhood idol, has been making significant strides in his career. At just 17 years old, he has already scored 10 goals and accumulated over 4,000 minutes of play with Barcelona. His impressive performances have earned him the prestigious Golden Boy award for 2024, an accolade previously won by Messi in 2005.
Despite the comparisons to Messi, Mendes believes that adopting Ronaldo’s mentality and commitment could propel Yamal to even greater heights. He remarked, “Lamine is without a doubt a player with phenomenal talent, who beats all the others, and he is only 17 years old.”
This perspective adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate between supporters of Ronaldo and Messi, both of whom have dominated world football for over a decade. While Messi recently secured his eighth Ballon d’Or, further solidifying his legendary status, Ronaldo continues to be celebrated for his record-breaking achievements, including being the all-time leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League with 141 goals.
As Yamal’s career progresses, the guidance from figures like Mendes could play a crucial role in shaping his development. Whether he chooses to model his approach after Ronaldo, Messi, or carve out his unique path, the football world will be keenly observing his journey towards potential future accolades, including the Ballon d’Or.
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