Gabriel Jesus Makes Huge Lamine Yamal and Neymar Comparison: ‘He’s a Genius’
Gabriel Jesus has delivered a glowing assessment of Lamine Yamal, comparing the Barcelona superstar’s qualities to those of Brazilian icon Neymar while backing the teenager to win the Ballon d’Or.
In an interview with EFE, relayed by MARCA, the Barcelona forward also discussed his admiration for Ronaldo Nazario, his decision to finally join Barça after nearly a decade, working under Hansi Flick and his ambitions at the Catalan club.
But it was his comments about Yamal and Neymar that immediately stood out.
Gabriel Jesus Sees Neymar Qualities in Lamine Yamal
Jesus described Neymar as the most naturally gifted player he has shared the pitch with, insisting that the former Barcelona star was capable of almost anything with either foot.
“Neymar is the most virtuoso footballer I’ve ever played with; he could do everything with both feet. For me, he’s untouchable; nobody can compare to him.”
However, the Brazilian believes Yamal possesses some of the same qualities that made Neymar so difficult to defend.
“But it’s true that Lamine has some of his qualities, like his dribbling and personality.”
Jesus was particularly impressed by Yamal's maturity despite his age.
“He’s still very young, but he does things like a mature player, as if he were 30 years old. He’s a genius who improves every year, who becomes more and more of a genius.”
The Barcelona forward also believes Yamal has already done enough to put himself at the front of the Ballon d’Or conversation.
“For me, he’s the favourite.”
Jesus admitted he does not know exactly how the award weighs talent, individual performances and trophies, but revealed that Yamal is the player he has enjoyed watching most in recent years.
Gabriel Jesus Chose Pep Guardiola Over Barcelona in 2016
Jesus also looked back on the first time Barcelona tried to sign him.
The Brazilian was wanted by Barça in 2016, but the presence of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez meant opportunities in the attack would have been extremely difficult to find.
Instead, he chose Manchester City and the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola.
“At that time, Barça had three forwards, so it was difficult to get playing time.”
The striker believed joining Guardiola was the right decision for his development at that stage of his career.
“I decided to go with Pep (Guardiola) to City because I thought that, being so young, being with him was the best thing for my future.”
Almost 10 years later, however, the opportunity to play for Barcelona finally arrived.
Jesus revealed that he had initially believed his chance to join the Catalan giants had already disappeared.
“I thought the opportunity to play for Barça had passed, but God surprised me again.”
He added:
“Imagine being sidelined for a week and then Barça comes along and wants to sign you. I didn’t want to hear anything else.”
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Jesus Reveals Barcelona Teammate Who Surprised Him
While Yamal, Pedri, Gavi and other La Masia talents naturally attract much of the attention, Jesus revealed that another Barcelona player has caught his eye in training.
That player is Brian Farinas.
“Everyone talks about Lamine, Pedri, Gavi, Bernal, Xavi Espart, the talent from La Masia. But I’ve been surprised by a player that no one seems to notice: Brian Farinas.”
Jesus praised Farinas' versatility and his performances during training.
“What I’ve seen from him every day in training has impressed me greatly, and I also like that he can play in at least three positions.”
The Brazilian also revealed that João Cancelo has become his closest teammate at Barça after their years together at Manchester City.
“The person I’m closest to is Joao, because we played together for three or four years at City and he also speaks Portuguese.”
Flick’s Intensity Reminds Jesus of Guardiola
Jesus has also noticed similarities between Hansi Flick and Guardiola, particularly in the intensity demanded during training.
The Barcelona striker explained that the team's pressing philosophy requires players to maintain a high level of physical commitment.
“Sometimes I come home very tired, but it’s necessary to implement our style of play.”
He added:
“When we don’t have the ball, we have to press to win it back, and we have to train with that intensity.”
For Jesus, that intensity is part of what makes Barcelona's football so demanding.
Ronaldo Nazario Remains a Major Inspiration
The Brazilian also spoke about wearing the No. 9 shirt at Barcelona, a number historically associated with legendary strikers.
Ronaldo Nazario is one of his biggest inspirations, particularly because of how the former Brazil star overcame serious knee problems.
Jesus has experienced his own difficult injury battles, including two major knee setbacks, and admitted that they have forced him to adjust aspects of his game.
“I always try to stay closer to the area to finish plays and not go out so much to look for the ball, because now I want to help more with goals.”
He sees Ronaldo's career as an example of how a striker can overcome significant physical setbacks and continue performing at the highest level.
Gabriel Jesus Wants to Win Everything at Barcelona
Having finally arrived at the club he once thought he had missed his chance to join, Jesus has set his ambitions extremely high.
The Brazilian wants to win both domestic and European honours with Barcelona.
“With Barça I want to win everything. Not just the Champions League, La Liga too, because I’ve won it in Brazil and England, and now I want to win it in Spain.”
He also has unfinished business in the Champions League after losing two finals during his career.
“And, of course, the Champions League, because I’ve already lost two finals.”
For Jesus, his arrival at Barcelona feels like something that was meant to happen.
“I’m a guy who really believes in God’s plans and it’s no coincidence that I’ve come to Barça.”
Now, the Brazilian will turn his attention to the weekend meeting with Getafe, where his opportunity could increase if Hansi Flick decides to rotate his attacking options.
For a player who once chose Manchester City because Barcelona's attack looked impossible to break into, Jesus now finds himself wearing the famous Blaugrana shirt — and playing alongside the next generation of superstars.