Rabat – After Barcelona’s 1-4 victory over Galatasaray in the Champions League, Rafael Leao was impressed by the performance of Barcelona’s number 10. Yamal played a decisive role in the comeback against the Turkish club, which scored first in the 28th minute by Aleksey Batrakov after an assist from Leao.
Yamal sprinkled some magic and provided assists for Fermin Lopez and Anthony Gordon, turning the game on its head and securing the points for the Blaugrana.
Following the final whistle, Leao could not hide admiration for Yamal’s generational talent. Speaking to TNT Sports Brasi, the Portuguese winger tipped Yamal for the outstanding performance. “I hope Lamine Yamal wins the Ballon d’Or and major titles with Barca,” he said.
Leao also confessed the strong relationship with the World Champion and hailed his character and the environment that supports his rapid development. “He is among the best players in the world,” said the Galatasaray winger. “He is someone I hold in very high regard, both as a footballer and as a person. He is surrounded by good players at an extraordinary club.”
One of Istanbul’s club biggest signings this summer, Leao has been on the radar of the Catalan giant across several transfer windows. But the transfer never materialized, and the winger continues his career with the Turkish club.
Leao’s statement brings to the spotlight the huge annual event of the Ballon d’Or, which is set to take place in London Palladium Theatre on October 26. After a record-breaking season and lifting the World Cup, La liga, Supercopa, and other individual awards, Yamal remains the most prominent candidate for the “best player in the world” title.
