"Lamine Yamal is a phenomenon," Deco declared of the young Barcelona star. "Becoming the world's best is up to him. At Barcelona, they have a player who will compete at the highest level for years, in the Champions League, La Liga, and against top clubs like Real Madrid. His maturity, shaped by growing up in Mataro's neighbourhoods, gives him a unique sense of responsibility."
Reflecting on his own playing days at Barcelona, Deco recalled a technically gifted side. "The Barcelona teams I played in were exceptional on the ball," he said. "They inherited the legacy of the 1990s, the era of Romario and Johan Cruyff, which later paved the way for Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Xavi Hernandez."
Deco reserved special praise for Ronaldinho, describing him as a game-changer, and hailed Lionel Messi as the most complete footballer ever. On Cristiano Ronaldo, he highlighted his relentless drive to improve. "Cristiano wasn't always deadly from free-kicks," Deco noted. "His hunger to learn made him who he is."
The Portuguese also lauded former manager Jose Mourinho's revolutionary approach. "Mourinho was a disruptor," Deco explained. "His training methods threw opponents off balance, giving his teams an edge."
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Deco tipped Spain as a leading contender. "Spain are the best-organised national team right now," he said. "They're among the favourites, alongside Argentina, who have a brilliant coach. Brazil, France, Portugal, and a rebuilding Germany are also in the mix."
Recent posts on X echo Deco's optimism about Lamine Yamal, with fans and pundits praising his standout performances for Barcelona and Spain. One user noted, "Yamal's composure at 18 is unreal, Deco's right, he's a generational talent." Another highlighted Spain's strength, saying, "With players like Yamal, Spain could dominate 2026."
Deco's reflections blend nostalgia with ambition, underscoring Barcelona's enduring commitment to excellence and Spain's bright international prospects.
Lionel Messi, one of football's all-time greats, has reportedly begun talks with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli for a potential move from Inter Miami in December 2025, when his contract expires, per reports.
The FIFA Club World Cup semi-final promises a blockbuster encounter as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain battle for a place in the final on Wednesday in New Jersey.
Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on Liverpool's dynamic winger Luis Diaz as their top transfer target for the summer of 2025, following a dramatic collapse in their pursuit of Athletic Club's Nico Williams.
Real Madrid are set to lock horns with Borussia Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday evening at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
