Kylian Mbappe was football’s golden boy from 2017 to 2023, and then Lamine Yamal happened. The 17-year-old has been a constant thorn in the side of the Real Madrid number nine for the past couple of seasons. Whether it’s club or country, Yamal has hurt Mbappe in all forms. The La Masia golden boy has now six wins in seven clashes, with decisive goals and trophy lifts. Let’s break this down because at this pace, Yamal’s cabinet might outnumber Mbappe’s.
The Kryptonite to Superman Mbappe: Lamine Yamal
There is no shame in acknowledging that Kylian Mbappe has achieved unprecedented fame and glory at a remarkably young age. He won the World Cup at 18, became the highest goalscorer in PSG history at 24, and became Real Madrid’s ace Galactico signing last year. However, from the previous couple of seasons, there has been a kryptonite to Mbappe’s Superman status: 17-year-old Lamine Yamal.
Yamal seems to have Mbappe’s number at this point. Every time they meet, the kid delivers. After surpassing Mbappe in market value, Yamal is now leading the performance race as well. Whether it’s a Euro semi-final stunner, a Clasico dagger or a Nations League brace. Mbappe has just managed a single win against Yamal, where PSG defeated Barca in the 2024 UCL, a campaign he lost. Meanwhile, Yamal has thrived in finals, clásicos and international high-pressure moments. The pattern has been clear: Mbappe is surely the bigger name, but Yamal has been the bigger player when they clash.
Is Yamal’s Mentality Ahead of Kylian Mbappe’s?
Real Madrid’s trophyless season, coupled with Mbappé’s fantastic individual season, has prompted critics to question several points. Does Mbappe play for personal glory? The Frenchman will win some critical individual awards this season, including the European Golden Boot, but his teams (Real Madrid and France) will bring no silverware back home.
Mbappe has been criticised for being too complacent, and Bellingham has been making all the runs in the box. The 26-year-old has also rarely tracked back and not shown mental resilience for his team. Yamal, on the other hand, has shown a mentality far superior. He has played to win. Barca were losing against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey finale; Yamal stepped up. Time after time this season in the UCL and La Liga, Yamal scored match-winning goals. He has shown a remarkable work rate for his age and incredible mental fortitude.
Yamal Has Exposed Mbappe’s Big-Game Pedigree?
Mbappé has been France’s match winner and big-game performer since he joined the team in 2017. World Cup final goals at 18, match-winning performances against big teams like Argentina and Croatia, and the 2023 World Cup final hat-trick: he has been the big game machine gun for France. But after the series of losses against Yamal, has the Frenchman’s pedigree crumbled?
Mbappe’s record against Yamal has been embarrassing. Six losses, multiple goals conceded and zero clutch moments. Even last night in France’s 5-4 Nations League loss, Yamal scored twice while Mbappe managed only one penalty. Yamal has dominated in pressure situations while Mbappe has disappeared. I think Real Madrid should be worried about their new Galactico.
If Yamal Lifts the Ballon D’or…
Mbappe has never been able to win the France Football Ballon d’Or award. This season, Yamal’s case has been growing stronger every time he has played, and after last night’s performance, Barca’s next number. 10 might be able to win it at 18.
He has played an essential role in winning three important trophies this season, and with the Nations League victory, the La Masia golden boy might become the undisputed favourite. If Yamal lifts the Ballon d’Or, the kid will already supersede Mbappe’s entire legacy at his teenage.