The Next Messi? Sneijder Names Yamal the Future of Barcelona
20 November 2025
Sneijder: Yamal Could Become Messi’s Successor at Barcelona
The Dutch icon Wesley Sneijder, a former Real Madrid standout, sparked a major conversation by praising Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal, saying the teenager is clearly on a path to becoming the club’s Messi successor.
In an interview with Adventure Games, Sneijder didn’t stop at praise; he called Yamal “Barcelona’s new Messi,” and he added that he believes Yamal could reach—and perhaps exceed—the level of the Argentine great.
He noted that Yamal possesses all the ingredients Barcelona looks for in its future: a homegrown talent with maturity, influence, and a ceiling that could reach the stars. “They won’t let him leave, and he wouldn’t want to,” Sneijder said, underscoring a commitment to the club that developed him.
Looking ahead, Sneijder suggested a long Barça tenure for Yamal, with a possible later taste of new experiences, just as Messi did. But by 2035, he is convinced Yamal could still be in a Barça kit, perhaps at the peak of his powers.
The admiration follows Yamal’s historic 2024-25 season, in which he helped Barcelona win a domestic treble and reach the Champions League semifinals. Even with a sports hernia that limited some minutes, he delivered eye-catching numbers: 12 goal contributions in 11 appearances (6 goals and 6 assists).
The injury saga
Barcelona has been navigating the controversy with the Spanish Football Federation over Yamal’s groin issue just hours before a national-team camp. Mundo Deportivo reported that the groin treatment sparked new friction, but the club stressed the priority was player safety and that they informed the federation of the plan.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barça doctors arranged advanced tests under the supervision of an external physician after the recent match against Celta Vigo, with initial rest estimates ranging from 4–5 days. The federation confirmed knowledge of the decision shortly after.
The club later explained that the Belgian doctor recommended surgery, which would require a longer layoff. The federation’s communications stated they learned about the plan later and that the rest period could be 7–10 days.
These discussions coincided with comments from figures like Hansi Flick, who questioned the pace of Yamal’s involvement with the national team, and responses from De La Fuente defending the player and emphasizing his commitment and desire to return quickly.
Barça reportedly sought a second medical opinion and consulted a renowned Belgian sports-herniation specialist, who has treated more than 3,000 similar cases. This emphasis on careful assessment underscores Barça’s priority of safeguarding Yamal’s health while supporting his development.
As the medical narrative develops, Barça’s approach has been to balance minutes and rest with two aims: preserving Yamal’s long-term health and maintaining his extraordinary form for both club and country.
Caption: Lamine Yamal in the spotlight as Barcelona’s future continues to unfold, with Sneijder’s praise fueling attention across La Liga.
Two light notes: if Yamal keeps this up, Messi might start charging Barca rent for wearing the same shirt. And if he keeps climbing at this pace, the only person outdoing Messi could be Yamal himself—now that would be a plot twist for the history books.
