Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has been named the second-best winger in the world by ESPN, finishing just behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in their latest rankings. The 17-year-old enjoyed a sensational season, contributing 18 goals and 25 assists while helping Barcelona secure a LaLiga and Copa del Rey double under Hansi Flick. Yamal’s performances have drawn widespread acclaim, with many tipping him as a future Ballon d’Or contender. His maturity, creativity, and ability to deliver in big moments have made him one of the most exciting talents in world football.
Despite his age, he has already become a key figure for both club and country. However, Salah’s incredible 57-goal contribution campaign for Liverpool saw him retain the top spot. The Egyptian’s consistency and elite output over multiple seasons cemented his status as the benchmark for wingers globally, narrowly edging out Yamal in ESPN’s evaluation. Further down the list, Lionel Messi found himself ranked eighth, marking a notable drop for the Argentine legend. While still influential for Inter Miami and Argentina, Messi’s reduced role in European football has seen him slide in the rankings, though his enduring class keeps him among the elite. Yamal’s rapid rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. Breaking into Barcelona’s first team as a 16-year-old, he has quickly established himself as a talismanic presence, drawing comparisons to past Camp Nou greats.
His ability to perform under pressure suggests an even brighter future lies ahead. The rankings have sparked debate among fans, with many arguing that Yamal’s impact this season should have earned him the top spot. His combination of flair, end product, and tactical intelligence has made him indispensable for Barcelona, even at such a young age. Meanwhile, Salah’s continued dominance highlights his remarkable longevity at the highest level. Despite Liverpool’s transitional phase, the 31-year-old remains one of the most lethal attackers in the game, proving his worth yet again with another prolific campaign.
For Messi, the eighth-place ranking reflects his gradual shift away from Europe’s top leagues. While his vision and technique remain unmatched, his influence is no longer as consistently game-defining as it once was, allowing younger stars like Yamal to rise. At just 17, Yamal has already reached an astonishing level, and with time on his side, it may only be a matter of time before he claims the No. 1 spot. For now, Salah remains the king of wingers—but the gap is closing fast.