Lamine Yamal makes surprise admission when asked to pick his toughest-ever opponent

Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal has revealed the toughest opponent of his short career so far – and it has taken many by surprise.

Yamal, who became Barcelona's youngest ever player in April 2023 – when he featured against Real Betis at the age of 15 years, nine months and 16 days – has smashed record after record since that feat.

He memorably beat Celestine Babayaro's record for being the youngest player ever to start a game in the Champions League at 16 years and 83 days.

And a short time later, the teenager smashed Gareth Bale's record as the youngest scorer in a European Championship qualification game as he netted on his debut against Georgia.

Yamal went on to achieve great things in 2024 and back in November, he was awarded 'The Youngest' trophy at the annual Golden Boy ceremony, presented by Italian outlet Tuttosport.

And in an interview with the publication, Barcelona's number 19 was asked to name the toughest opponent of his career so far.

"David Raum, the left back for Germany and RB Leipzig," he said. "A tough, tough defender. At the European Championship in the quarter-finals against the Germans he proved to be a tough opponent to overcome."

Yamal came up against Raum in last summer's European Championship quarter-final between Spain and Germany – a game that featured an extra-time winner from Mikel Merino as the hosts were knocked out.

Speaking ahead of the game, the German full-back opened up on the prospect of facing Yamal.

“When you see what he brings to the pitch, age doesn't play a big role," Raum said. "He's established himself at Barcelona and in the national team. You can't call him a child anymore. But he's also crackable and defendable; you have to find a way.”

Raum and his Germany teammates surround Yamal during the Euro 2024 game. Image credit: Getty

In the past, Yamal has also named Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy as a "tough challenge", after he came up against the Frenchman in last year's Spanish Super Cup final.