Ex-Barcelona star warns Yamal to avoid ‘Mbappe trap’

Former Barcelona midfielder Emmanuel Petit has warned Lamine Yamal to stay grounded and avoid arrogance at this early stage of his career.

The 18-year-old Barcelona star, who recently inherited Lionel Messi’s iconic No.10 shirt, has drawn comparisons with legends for his creativity and ability to destabilise defences.

Petit praised Yamal’s technical brilliance, vision and intelligence, insisting he has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or if he sustains his current level.

However, Petit stressed that the teenager’s biggest challenge lies off the pitch.

He pointed to Kylian Mbappe’s career trajectory as an example of how hype and off-field distractions can derail progress.

“It’s similar to Mbappe: for years everything was green, then suddenly everything collapsed and he wasn’t the same on the pitch.

“Sometimes a touch of arrogance comes across. Yamal needs to be careful with communication and social media,” Petit told AS.

The Frenchman added that maturity and mental strength will be decisive for Yamal: “Right now everything is going well, but if something negative happens, there will be plenty waiting to bring him down. We’ll see how he reacts.”

Yamal, already a European champion with Spain and a treble winner with Barcelona, has started the new Liga campaign strongly.

Still, Petit insists his true legacy will depend on delivering in the Champions League and maintaining humility despite growing fame.