De la Fuente Predicts a New Football Era for Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente believes football is approaching a new era led by two of its most exciting young stars: Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal and France and Real Madrid attacker Kylian Mbappé. In his prediction, the pair could become leading figures in the sport after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose careers have shaped a generation of supporters.
Speaking to Spanish news agency EFE, De la Fuente praised Messi and Ronaldo not only for their achievements but also for the standards they set through their conduct, competitive drive and commitment to winning. He also discussed the responsibility that comes with Yamal’s rapid rise, the importance of protecting young players from excessive pressure, and the foundations behind Spain’s recent success.
Messi and Ronaldo Remain Examples for the Next Generation
De la Fuente described himself as a great admirer of Messi and Ronaldo, saying their influence extends beyond match-winning performances. In his view, both have represented qualities that matter across football and society, including discipline, professionalism and respect for competition.
The Spain manager highlighted the remarkable longevity of the two icons. Even after winning almost every major honour available, Messi and Ronaldo continued to pursue new challenges and victories well into their late thirties and early forties.
“Two players who achieved everything, yet they kept wanting to win,” De la Fuente said. He called them models of performance, behaviour and sportsmanship, arguing that their careers offer young footballers valuable lessons about sustaining ambition over time.
Asked whether Ronaldo’s reported departure from Portugal’s national-team camp should be viewed as a bitter ending to his international career, De la Fuente rejected that interpretation. His response was brief: “No, not at all.” Rather than dwell on speculation, he focused on the broader contribution Ronaldo and Messi have made to the game.
Why Yamal and Mbappé Could Define the Next Football Era
With Messi and Ronaldo nearing the end of their international journeys, attention is naturally turning to the players who might become football’s next global reference points. De la Fuente named Yamal and Mbappé as two candidates with the talent and profile to shape the sport’s future.
“They will create an era in football,” he said, expressing confidence in the pair’s potential. His prediction reflects more than their individual ability. Both players already attract worldwide attention, and their contrasting styles could help create compelling rivalries and storylines for supporters.
Mbappé has established himself as one of the world’s most decisive attackers, combining pace, movement and a proven record in major competitions. Yamal, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the most influential young players in European football, bringing creativity, close control and confidence to Barcelona and Spain.
De la Fuente also argued that football benefits when several stars share the spotlight. A sport dominated by a single figure, he suggested, offers less variety than one shaped by multiple players competing at the highest level. Two or three major names can inspire fans, generate discussion and encourage healthy rivalry.
That competition, he stressed, must remain respectful. The aim is not simply to compare statistics or create pressure, but to celebrate different kinds of excellence and keep supporters engaged with the game.
De la Fuente’s Advice to Lamine Yamal
Yamal’s rise has been extraordinary, but De la Fuente cautioned that talent alone is not enough to ensure a young player’s long-term wellbeing. The Spain coach described the teenager as mature for his age while emphasizing that he remains in a formative stage of life and needs support from the people around him.
Yamal has faced intense media attention since breaking through as a teenager. That scrutiny can bring opportunities, but it can also create expectations that are difficult for any young person to manage. De la Fuente praised the way the Barcelona star has handled the pressure, saying he has shown remarkable naturalness despite the attention surrounding him.
The coach’s message was straightforward: keep learning, working and developing. He also underlined the importance of helping Yamal protect himself from distractions and outside demands, so that football does not become an overwhelming burden.
For De la Fuente, the goal is not to push Yamal toward a particular label or make premature comparisons with Messi and Ronaldo. Instead, the priority is to give him the conditions to grow at his own pace. If he continues to improve while receiving the right guidance, the coach believes the possibility of becoming a legendary footballer will remain open.
World’s Best Coach Award Is a Collective Achievement
De la Fuente’s comments came after he received the world’s best coach award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 26. The 65-year-old said he was pleased to be recognised, but insisted that the honour belonged to the wider group behind Spain’s results, including his coaching staff and players.
He explained that he prefers setting goals and working toward them step by step rather than relying on dreams. The award, he said, would not become a burden or change his approach. His focus remains on continued improvement and preparing the team for its next challenge.
Spain’s upcoming match against the Czech Republic in Prague will be De la Fuente’s first since receiving the award. He also recently renewed his contract through 2032, giving the national team continuity as it builds toward future tournaments.
Spain’s Unbeaten Run and the Foundations of Success
Spain’s run of 42 consecutive matches without defeat, dating back to March 2024, was another major topic in the interview. De la Fuente called the record “crazy” and “unbelievable,” but warned that past results offer no protection in future games.
International football, he noted, is especially competitive. While club teams in different countries may have significant differences in resources and quality, national sides can be much closer in ability. A small drop in concentration can therefore prove costly.
Spain’s recent achievements have attracted admiration beyond its borders. The senior team’s success has been reinforced by strong performances from youth sides and individual recognition for Spanish players. De la Fuente said other countries are increasingly curious about how Spain has developed such consistency across club and international football.
His answer was simple: invest in coaching and player development. Strong training structures, skilled coaches and long-term support for young talent, he argued, provide the foundation for sustainable success. That approach may also help Yamal and the next generation fulfil their potential—not through a single prediction, but through years of careful work.
