While millions have watched Yamal’s meteoric rise through television screens, Ibrahimovic insists that seeing the winger in person is an entirely different proposition. The former AC Milan and PSG forward highlighted the technical nuances that set the youngster apart from his peers. These qualities were fully on display during Yamal’s spectacular 2025-26 season with Barcelona, where he scored 24 goals and provided 18 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, capping off his stellar campaign by winning the La Liga title.
“On TV he looks special and he looks good. But up close he’s even more special,” Ibrahimovic added. “At 18, it’s incredible. Every time he touches the ball, you can see he’s different. His ball control, dribbling, goal-scoring ability… so all my hopes for a great game are on him.”
