Lamine Yamal is currently one of the best footballers in the world, and for many, the best in the world. His rapid rise to the elite of European football has astonished many, as he achieved it far ahead of some of the greatest footballers in history, leading many to believe that Yamal could become one of the top 10 of all time. There are even those who consider the prodigious footballer to be the greatest young player of the modern era, since, at just 18 years old, he is sitting at the same table as some of today’s best, such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele, and a few others.
Following Ansu Fati’s recent loan move from FC Barcelona, Yamal has inherited the Catalan club’s number 10 shirt, which has been worn by giants such as Maradona, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Riquelme, and finally, Lionel Messi. Having already achieved this, Yamal is being hailed as the new Messi, regardless of the fact that Messi is Argentinian and Yamal is Spanish.
In recent months, many people have said that Yamal has displayed a somewhat arrogant attitude, which has irritated several football fans, including Spaniards and FC Barcelona fans around the world.
The Spaniard has commented on occasions during press conferences that he knows he’s been called arrogant for various things he’s said. On one occasion, he said in his own words: “As long as I’m winning, no one can say anything to me. When they beat me, they can”.
In FC Barcelona’s last match against FC Seoul, where Yamal scored two goals, he celebrated as if he were putting on an imaginary crown made famous by LeBron James. This mischievous and self-centered celebration annoyed many Real Madrid fans, who said Yamal was the most arrogant player in the history of football.
Lamine Yamal making a crown gesture during his goal celebration Vs FC Seoul.
— 🖤™ (@Ilvaite0) July 31, 2025
This is the most arrogant player in the history of football. Classless behaviour.pic.twitter.com/p7hUNKzQWC
This celebration was even frowned upon by FC Barcelona fans, who said the boy needs to calm down a bit, because lately the fame is really going to his head.
I’m a Barca fan and think the kid needs to calm down a bit
— DALK 🧬 (@kodakdalk) August 1, 2025
But there are others who criticize him more than necessary because some people say he’s arrogant for dyeing his hair blonde. Let’s not forget that more than five FC Barcelona players have also dyed their hair blonde. Is that arrogance? I don’t think so.
Yamal is someone who, despite being barely 18 years old, is confident in himself and his abilities. He knows he can be even better than he is now, and that’s far from being arrogant.
The truth is that just because of a simple celebration, we can’t label someone as arrogant. Many people have pointed out that while Désiré Doue once said he was better than Yamal, he was never insulted or called narcissistic or self-centered. But is it narcissistic for Yamal to celebrate by wearing an imaginary crown? Besides that, Yamal has never said that he considers himself the best footballer in the world or that he considers himself better than anyone else.
We just hope Yamal continues on the right path.
