Hansi Flick Challenges Lamine Yamal to Go Beyond Talent
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has urged rising star Lamine Yamal to push past raw ability if he wants to reach the very top of world football.
The 18-year-old has been nothing short of sensational since breaking into Barcelona’s first team, dazzling fans with his flair and earning a place among Europe’s brightest prospects. His rapid rise even saw him finish runner-up in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, just behind Ousmane Dembele.
Yet Flick believes Yamal’s journey is only beginning and warned that natural talent will not be enough to sustain his success.
“He is an exceptional player, but there are others in the squad with great quality as well. He’s only 18, and he must keep working,” Flick said in an interview with Goal.
“To move up one or two levels higher, hard work is essential. Talent alone is never enough. Football isn’t just about what you do with the ball—it’s also about how you defend. That applies to every player, including him.”
Flick’s remarks highlight a growing truth in modern football: attackers are no longer judged solely on creativity or goals but on their all-round contribution, especially when the team is out of possession.
While Yamal’s artistry and attacking spark have earned him global attention, adding defensive discipline could be the key to unlocking the next stage of his already remarkable career.
