According to a report by GOAL on Thursday, October 22, 2026, former Barcelona winger Luis Figo has praised Lamine Yamal’s exceptional talent, admitting that he might have been forced to switch positions if they had played together at the Spanish club.

Figo, who enjoyed a distinguished career at the highest level of European football, acknowledged that Yamal’s ability on the right wing could have required him to move to the opposite flank to accommodate the teenage sensation in the same starting lineup.

Speaking to Betfair, the former Portugal international explained that he would potentially have played on the left if he had shared a team with the Barcelona forward.

Figo also maintained that he possessed considerable ability during his playing career, while expressing admiration for the qualities Yamal has demonstrated at such a young age.

The former winger compared the circumstances surrounding their respective careers, explaining that football was different when he arrived at Barcelona at the age of 22.

Figo revealed that opportunities were more limited for foreign players during his early years at the Catalan club because teams were permitted to start only three foreign players.

He explained that the restriction affected his opportunities to feature regularly, contrasting his experience with Yamal’s rapid rise to prominence at Barcelona.

Despite acknowledging the differences between the two eras, Figo insisted that he would have backed himself to secure a starting position in either of Barcelona’s teams.

The Portuguese legend maintained that his confidence in his own abilities would have made him a strong candidate for selection, regardless of the competition for places.

Meanwhile, Yamal continues to establish himself as one of Barcelona’s most influential attacking players. The 19-year-old has recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 12 appearances across all competitions this season.

His performances have strengthened his importance to the team as Barcelona prepare for their highly anticipated El Clasico meeting with Real Madrid this weekend.