In Istanbul, where a Champions League night can turn every old remark into fresh fuel, Lamine Yamal had his answer ready after Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Galatasaray. The teenager posted a photograph of his Player of the Match award on Instagram and wrote: “Does he know me now?” followed by a ghost emoji.
The message was aimed at Galatasaray midfielder Mario Lemina, whose comments from August 2025 had resurfaced before the second Champions League matchday meeting. Asked then to compare Yamal with his Galatasaray teammate Leroy Sané, the Gabon international replied: “Who is Lamine Yamal? I don’t know him. I know Sané.”
Quick facts
- Barcelona won 4-1 away to Galatasaray in Istanbul.
- Lamine Yamal registered two assists and was named Player of the Match.
- His Instagram post referred to Mario Lemina’s August 2025 comments.
- Lemina later congratulated Yamal and said one of his children is a huge fan of the Barcelona player.
Yamal was central to Barcelona’s commanding result, setting up two goals and playing a major role in several of the decisive moments. His performance earned him the match’s MVP recognition, adding weight to the pointed but playful post after the final whistle.
Barcelona teammates quickly joined the exchange. Raphinha commented that Lemina now knew Yamal, while Fermín López wrote a similar message in English. Anthony Gordon described the display as “Incredible”, and Gavi responded with a GIF of Yamal dancing.
The exchange did not remain hostile. Lemina replied on Instagram with a picture of Yamal alongside his children, writing that he certainly knew him and that his young son was “crazy about” the Barcelona forward.
The Galatasaray player also offered a public congratulations: “Congratulations, Lamine Yamal.” What began with a dismissal months earlier ended in Istanbul with Yamal’s decisive contribution, an MVP award and a warmer response from the midfielder who had once said he did not know him.
