Barcelona winger Raphinha has offered insights regarding the emerging talents of Lamine Yamal and Chelsea’s Estevao, ahead of their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge this Tuesday. Both Yamal and Estevao have quickly established themselves as two of the most exciting young stars in global football at just 18 years of age, making significant contributions to their respective clubs and national teams.
Marc Cucurella, who plays alongside Estevao at Chelsea and Yamal in the Spain national squad, has praised the duo, referring to them as “special players.” Raphinha, who shares a similar connection with both players as teammates in the Brazil national team and with Yamal at Barcelona, expressed his admiration for their skills.
“To me, they are two spectacular footballers,” Raphinha remarked during a press conference on Monday. “I believe that the next few years of their careers will be the best in the world. They are tremendous talents; their future success depends on them, and they are certainly on the right track. I try to assist them with my experience in football, but their talent is undeniable. They will shine for many years to come.”
Interestingly, Raphinha’s path could have led him to Chelsea had he not pursued his ambition to play for Barcelona. The Brazilian joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022 despite interest from the London club. Reflecting on his decision, he stated, “I was absolutely certain I wanted to wear the Barça shirt. I had faith and here I am. I was aware of Chelsea and Barça’s interest after my last match for Leeds, but I had a dream of playing for Barça and did everything I could to make that dream a reality.”
Following a two-month recovery from a hamstring injury, Raphinha made his return last weekend in a brief appearance during Barcelona’s victory over Athletic Bilbao. However, with Ferran Torres’s impressive performance, including a brace against Bilbao, it is uncertain whether Raphinha will start against Chelsea. Additionally, Barcelona has another left-wing option in Marcus Rashford, who is traveling to London despite missing the last game due to illness.
The excitement surrounding this match is palpable, especially with the spotlight on the new generation of football stars who are carving out their legacies on such grand stages.