pgzen Lamine Yamal hails Neymar as his childhood idol, despite hailing Lionel Messi as the greatest player of all time pgzen

Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal has named Lionel Messi as the greatest player of all time, but said his childhood idol was Neymar da Silva Jr. because he admires the Brazilian’s playing style, he told Highsnobiety on Monday. 

Previously, Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Rafinha suggested that Yamal’s playing style was more similar to Neymar than Messi, echoing the 17-year-old, who also idolized the Al-Hilal forward as a child. 

‘(Lionel) Messi is the greatest player of all time and someone I’ve always loved watching, but my childhood idol was Neymar because of the way he played and his style of play,’ Yamal said. ‘I’ve watched all his videos and he inspired me to try new things on the pitch. ‘

Before Yamal talked about fashion from his perspective, saying, ‘For fashion, I love it and care about it, but I try to create my own style. I like to wear different styles and mix and match.’

Yamal wore custom-designed braces, complete with blue and red gemstones designed by fashion brand Twojeys, after leading the Azulgrana to a stunning El Clasico victory.

‘I love the details and unique designs of my jewellery. I try to make sure that every piece of jewellery I wear has a meaning to me. For Twojeys, I like it to be bold and innovative.’

Yamal also revealed his dream is to succeed with Barcelona and Spain, especially to compete in the World Cup with the Bulls in the future.

‘I feel really good and I’m eager to do important things with Barca and the national team. I’m aware that I’m still very young, just starting out and I still have a lot to improve and learn.’

‘I try to focus on the competitions I’m playing in right now, which are the league and the Champions League, although playing in the World Cup is my dream.’  ( pgzen )