Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal surprises fans by naming Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo as his favorite Premier League player, revealing deep admiration for his unique style and mentality

Barcelona’s prodigy Lamine Yamal names his favorite Premier League star—and it’s not who you’d expect.

Barcelona’s adolescent phenom Lamine Yamal has once again piqued the interest of the football world, not only for his brilliant achievements on the field, but also for his newest revelation about the player he most admires in international football.

In a post-match interview with Spanish site El Mundo Deportivo, the 17-year-old winger surprised reporters by naming Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo as his favorite player to watch in the Premier League, characterizing the Cameroonian attacker as “a rare breed in modern football.”

“I’ve played alongside and against top players — Raphinha, Nico Williams, Dembélé — all incredible talents,” Yamal told reporters.

“But there is something unusual about Mbeumo. His decision-making skills, confidence, and capacity to create something out of nothing are inspiring. I admire how composed he is during big games. He reminds me that football is about intelligence, not just talent.”

“He plays with his head, not just his feet” – Yamal on Mbeumo’s brilliance.

In an era when young players are driven to flashy dribbling and highlight-reel performances, Yamal’s praise for Mbeumo was a welcome display of maturity. The Barcelona winger explained that Mbeumo’s technical yet calm style of play connects strongly with how he wants to develop as a footballer.

“He plays with his head, not just his feet,” Yamal explained.

“The way he finds space, connects with teammates, and even his defensive play is exceptional. You can tell he understands football differently. That is something I want to learn from.

Mbeumo, who joined Manchester United under Ruben Amorim’s new leadership, has been a revelation this season. His tactical discipline, ingenuity, and work rate have swiftly established him as a major figure in United’s attacking formation — and it appears that his influence has spread beyond the Premier League.

Cole Palmer once said, “Mbeumo is criminally underrated”

Interestingly, Yamal’s statement is not the first of its type. Earlier this season, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer identified Mbeumo as one of Europe’s most underestimated attackers, saying in an interview with Sky Sports:

“I’ve met him a few times, and people don’t talk about him enough. He’s bright, powerful, and unpredictable. “If he had played for a larger team sooner, everyone would have called him world-class.

Mbeumo is now excelling on one of the largest stages, playing for Manchester United, and young players like Yamal and Palmer are taking notice.

Mbeumo’s Journey to Respect—From Brentford to Manchester United

Bryan Mbeumo’s ascension has been far from traditional. From his humble beginnings at Brentford, when he helped the team attain Premier League stability, to his headline-grabbing move to Old Trafford, Mbeumo’s career has been a tribute to perseverance and self-confidence.

Under Ruben Amorim, Mbeumo has evolved into a full-fledged forward capable of working across the front line. His achievements this season, particularly against top rivals such as Liverpool and Arsenal, have garnered him high plaudits from both analysts and fans.

Former Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand characterized him as “a coach’s dream — disciplined, efficient, and always switched on.”

Yamal’s Admiration reflects the Modern Football Shift.

Yamal’s statements indicate a more profound shift in the thinking of the new generation of footballers. Instead of idolizing superstars like Mbappé or Haaland, young players like Yamal are looking for individuals who combine intelligence and consistency – characteristics that characterize long-term success.

According to Spanish football commentators, Yamal’s adoration for Mbeumo makes stylistic sense. Both players thrive on placement, vision, and timing rather than pure speed or deception.

“Yamal sees Mbeumo as the type of player he wants to be — smart, efficient, and dangerous at all times,” stated Spanish journalist Juan Mataz.

“It’s not about the fame; it’s about football IQ.”

Fan Reaction: “Even Barcelona Knows He’s Special”

As soon as Yamal’s comment became viral, social media exploded with replies from supporters in Spain and England.

Some Manchester United fans were eager to celebrate:

“Even Barcelona’s golden boy admires Mbeumo. Amorim understood what he was doing when he brought him in.

Liverpool fans couldn’t resist some banter:

“Of course he loves Mbeumo — he’s the reason we lost at Anfield!”

Barcelona fans expressed satisfaction in their young star’s football maturity:

“This child does not just play football; he studies it. That’s what makes him remarkable.”

Mbeumo Responds with Class.

When media approached Mbeumo about Yamal’s comments during United’s training session, he responded modestly but powerfully.

“Wow, that means a lot coming from a talent like him,” Mbeumo told the audience.

“I’ve seen Yamal play before; he’s bold, imaginative, and has the Barcelona DNA. Football is about learning from one another, and I’m delighted he likes my style.

Conclusion: Mutual Respect across Generations

In an era where football is frequently defined by rivalry and ego, it’s refreshing to see true mutual respect between two players separated by clubs, leagues, and even decades.

Lamine Yamal’s respect for Mbeumo demonstrates one thing: brilliance isn’t necessarily about celebrity or headlines, but rather the consistency, discipline, and intelligence you bring to the game.

And, as fans eagerly await Manchester United’s next game, one thing is certain: Bryan Mbeumo’s influence has gone global.