'Not normal for his age' - Lamine Yamal is 'coming on strong' as Sergio Ramos overlooks Clasico rivalry to hail Barcelona and Spain star's impact

Legendary former Real Madrid centre-back Ramos was effusive in his praise for teenage sensation Yamal, stating that the impact he has made at both Barcelona and with the Spanish national team before even turning an adult is "not normal for his age".

Yamal has enjoyed a dreamy past 12 months, starting with his stunning performances at Euro 2024, where he won the Young Player of the Tournament award as Spain clinched the title. At just 17 years of age, Yamal is already being tipped to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or (he will have turned 18 when the ceremony is held later this year). In the 2024-25 season, the Barca starlet scored 21 goals and contributed 25 assists in 62 games for both club and country, playing a vital role in the Catalans' La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana triumphs. He was also influential in the Champions League knockouts, although Barca bowed out agonisingly in an extra-time defeat to eventual runners-up Inter.

Speaking at a press conference, the Rayados defender said: "For me, Lamine is a reality that's coming on strong. He's breaking records that aren't normal for his age. I wish Lamine the best, even though he's a Barca player, because I always want our national team to do well."

Ramos was asked to pick his favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or at the same press conference. The 39-year-old snubbed Yamal in favour of picking his former PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe, who scored 43 goals in his debut season for Real Madrid.

Yamal is currently enjoying his vacation and will link-up with his Barcelona team-mates for pre-season duties next month, with La Liga set to begin in August.