Lewandowski advises Yamal to seek balance for a long career
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has advised his teammate Lamine Yamal to find the right balance in his life to ensure a long and successful professional career. Yamal, who has experienced a meteoric rise and is among the favorites to win the Ballon d’Or this year, has been the subject of public attention recently. This, following the criticism received for an 18th birthday party with a gangster theme.Lewandowski highlighted the importance of Yamal learning to handle media pressure and the expectations that come with his success. The Polish striker also mentioned the need for Yamal to stay mentally strong to deal with external noise and, at the same time, maintain his high level of play. In May, Yamal signed a new contract with Barcelona until 2031 and took on the iconic number 10 shirt of the club. Lewandowski also spoke about the impossibility of comparing Yamal with Franco Mastantuono, the new Real Madrid signing.“Lamine is very young, he can enjoy life,” Lewandowski commented. “He has to enjoy it because everything, not just in football, but outside of it, is ahead of him. Of course, it will also be a difficult time for him, how to handle it, all the things that surround him. Surely it won’t be easy, but he also has to enjoy everything. Still at this age, you can, and probably in the future you can’t. You have to find the balance.”
Robert Lewandowski
The Barcelona striker emphasized that the next Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be found, as they are unique players. Lewandowski expects a stronger Real Madrid, now managed by his former Bayern Munich teammate, Xabi Alonso. The Polish striker, who will turn 37 on August 21, is about to begin his 22nd season as a professional. Lewandowski has won 31 titles, including 10 Bundesliga championships, two LaLiga trophies and one Champions League. The veteran striker, still hungry for more, said: “It doesn’t matter how many titles you’ve already won. The most important thing is how many titles you want to win. In my mind I know I can improve many things again.” “I love football, I love this team, I love this club. I still feel very good physically. I have no problem with this [age] because I don’t feel it.” “I am proud to turn 37 years old. But I still know I can achieve my goals. I can help my colleagues because I am still hungry for more.”“You can’t compare players, especially at a young age,” said Lewandowski. “They [Real Madrid] surely have the pressure to find someone like Lamine. I think [being like Lamine] will be impossible and it’s better to follow your own path. Of course, for the fans, the expectation is always that we have to find someone like Lamine.”
Robert Lewandowski
