Retired Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has issued a strong message of professional caution and guidance to soon-to-be 18-year-old Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal, reminding the prodigy that talent alone isn’t enough to sustain a long, successful career in football.
Kroos, who faced Yamal at both club level and during Euro 2024, particularly in Germany’s heartbreaking quarter-final loss to Spain, which turned out to be the final match of his illustrious career, had glowing praise for the teenage sensation.
Softfootball confirmed that Toni Kroos had an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, where the German midfield icon acknowledged Yamal’s extraordinary ability but warned that a true legacy is built on consistency, discipline, and resilience not just brilliance.
“I also made the Bayern first team at 17, but I wasn’t at his level, which is spectacular. I’ve never seen anything like it at that age,”
Kroos said.
“I’m talking about the consistency of his performances, because the natural talent is obvious. What makes me think this boy is special is his constant search for prominence on the pitch: in difficult moments, he always steps up, and at 17 years of age, that is not normal. He was the protagonist of two excellent seasons the last one even spectacular. I have never seen a kid like him.”
But the 34-year-old didn’t stop at admiration. He added a sobering reminder:
“I always say that a career is not a sprint, but a marathon. We’ll see what happens in the next 5–10 seasons if he continues to grow, and how he reacts to everything that comes from outside football.
Success doesn’t only depend on the pitch. What happens outside has a big impact, and you have to know how to handle different aspects of life.”
Yamal, who will turn 18 on July 12, is reportedly preparing an exclusive birthday celebration in Ibiza, as previously revealed by Softfootball. The Spanish sensation is set to return to action as an adult, expected to lead Barcelona’s frontline again alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
However, the pressure will only increase from now on. As he transitions into adulthood, fans and pundits will expect him to maintain his exceptional standards and continue to deliver match-winning performances consistently.
With Toni Kroos’ wise words ringing in the background, Lamine Yamal now faces the next chapter of his career, where maintaining focus, managing external distractions, and sustaining his form will be just as important as the breathtaking talent he continues to showcase.
