Rafael Leao left Galatasaray’s Champions League meeting with Barcelona without a goal, but the Portuguese forward reserved his strongest praise for Lamine Yamal after being impressed by the Barcelona No. 10.
Leao backs Yamal for football’s biggest individual prize
Speaking after the match, Leao said he hopes Yamal can turn his outstanding potential into the Ballon d’Or and major trophies with Barcelona.
- Leao described Yamal as one of the finest players in world football.
- He said he holds the Barcelona winger in high regard both as a player and as a person.
- The Galatasaray forward pointed to the quality of Yamal’s team-mates and the stature of the Catalan club.
“I hope Lamine Yamal wins the Ballon d’Or and major titles with Barcelona,” Leao said. “He is among the best players in the world. I appreciate him greatly, as a footballer and as a person. He is surrounded by good players at an extraordinary club.”
A quieter second half for Galatasaray’s summer signing
Leao was more involved before the interval against Barcelona, showing flashes of the ability that made him one of Galatasaray’s headline arrivals during the summer transfer window. His influence faded after the break, however, and he was unable to find the net on the European stage.
The match was another significant continental occasion in Leao’s first campaign in Istanbul, following his move from Milan. While his own contribution did not reach his usual level across the full 90 minutes, Yamal’s display clearly made a lasting impression on the Portuguese winger.
