Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal has stirred controversy with bold claims about rivals Real Madrid, asserting that they will be defeated this season due to deficiencies in speed and technique, relying solely on luck. The 18-year-old winger, speaking ahead of the 2025-26 La Liga season, also suggested that Real Madrid’s successes in the previous campaign were largely due to fortunate circumstances and biased refereeing. His comments have ignited discussions among fans and analysts, setting the stage for an intense rivalry as Barcelona aims to maintain their dominance over their arch-rivals.
Yamal’s remarks come on the heels of a remarkable 2024-25 season for Barcelona, where they clinched La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey, defeating Real Madrid in all four El Clásico encounters. The young Spaniard played a pivotal role in these victories, contributing goals and assists, including two crucial assists in the 3-2 Copa del Rey final win in April 2025. His performances have solidified his status as a global superstar, with 18 goals and 21 assists in 55 appearances for Barcelona last season, alongside leading La Liga’s assist charts with 12. Yamal’s confidence is backed by his on-field impact, but his outspoken criticism of Real Madrid has raised eyebrows.
The teenager’s assertion that Real Madrid lacks speed and technique is a direct jab at a squad boasting talents like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Junior, and Jude Bellingham. Yamal’s claim that they “rely only on luck” dismisses the tactical discipline instilled by manager Xabi Alonso, who took over in 2025 to rejuvenate a squad that struggled last season. Real Madrid’s 2024-25 campaign was indeed turbulent, marked by a 4-0 La Liga loss and a 5-2 Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona, alongside a Champions League exit. However, attributing their victories solely to luck and referee bias is a bold stance from Yamal, especially given Real Madrid’s historical resilience and their recent signings, such as Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen, aimed at bolstering their defense.
Yamal’s comments about refereeing favoritism tap into a long-standing narrative in Spanish football, where both Barcelona and Real Madrid have faced accusations of benefiting from officiating decisions. While Yamal did not provide specific examples, his statement reflects the heated emotions surrounding El Clásico rivalries. Last season, Barcelona’s high-pressing style under Hansi Flick overwhelmed Real Madrid, with Yamal’s pace and creativity exposing their defensive frailties. Yet, Real Madrid’s counterattacking prowess, led by Mbappé, showed moments of brilliance, such as his goal in the Spanish Super Cup final, suggesting they are far from a team that relies solely on chance.
As the 2025-26 season kicks off, Barcelona are favored to defend their La Liga title, holding a strong squad with Yamal, Raphinha, and new additions like Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United. Real Madrid, however, have made strategic moves to address their shortcomings, with Alonso’s emphasis on youth and tactical discipline. The signing of Carreras, tasked with containing Yamal in the upcoming El Clásico on October 26, 2025, signals their intent to neutralize Barcelona’s star winger. Fans have already voiced expectations for Carreras to “stop Lamine Yamal,” highlighting the 18-year-old’s influence on the rivalry.
Yamal’s confidence is not without merit, given Barcelona’s recent dominance, but his provocative remarks risk fueling Real Madrid’s motivation. The upcoming El Clásico will be a litmus test for both teams, with Barcelona aiming to continue their winning streak and Real Madrid seeking redemption. Yamal’s assertion that Real Madrid “cannot handle” Barcelona echoes his post-Copa del Rey final comments in April 2025, where he taunted, “If they score one goal, no problem. If they score two goals? No problem.” This mindset reflects Barcelona’s fearless approach under Flick, but it also places a target on Yamal’s back as Real Madrid prepare to respond.
Beyond the rivalry, Yamal’s rapid rise draws comparisons to legends like Lionel Messi, though he remains focused on carving his own path. His performances at Euro 2024 and in La Liga have made him a contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, with pundits like ESPN’s Graham Hunter calling him a “genius.” However, his outspoken nature, from taunting Real Madrid to playful social media jabs at players like Jude Bellingham, has drawn criticism for lacking humility. Former Real Madrid star Guti recently slammed Yamal’s behavior, such as wearing a cap backwards in a press conference, as disrespectful. Yet, Yamal’s confidence is part of his charm, resonating with Barcelona fans who see him as the face of a new era.
As the season unfolds, Yamal’s words will be put to the test. Real Madrid’s rebuilt squad, combined with Alonso’s tactical acumen, could challenge Barcelona’s supremacy. The October El Clásico will be a defining moment, with Yamal’s performance likely to shape the narrative. Whether his bold predictions hold true or backfire, one thing is certain: the young star has added fuel to one of football’s fiercest rivalries, ensuring that all eyes will be on him and Barcelona as they aim to prove their dominance over Real Madrid once again.
