Ex-Defender Philipp Lahm Offers Insight on How To Stop Lamine Yamal

• Former Germany international and legendary defender Philipp Lahm explains the keys to stopping Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal
• Barcelona’s rising star is already tormenting defenders in La Liga and looks to cause wreak more havoc this season
• The talented Spanish youngster helped Hansi Flick’s side to win the 2024/25 La Liga and Copa del Rey

Germany and Bayern Munich legend Philipp Lahm once shared his thoughts on the daunting task of containing Barcelona’s gifted youngster, Lamine Yamal.

The 2014 World Cup winner made the statements when Hansi Flick’s men were getting ready to host Inter Milan on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for the first leg of their 2024/25 UEFA Champions League semi-final clash.

Quoted by Barça Universal via X, the retired right-back stressed the intense focus and tactical discipline needed to contain the explosive winger.

The gifted forward is a major source of concern for many clubs and Lahm has some advice to offer.

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“Defending against Lamine Yamal demands unwavering concentration,” he said. “You have to anticipate his every move, keep him on his weaker foot, and never allow him any space.”

Lahm’s remarks serve as a blueprint for modern defending, particularly against highly skilled and unpredictable wingers like Yamal.

At only 18, the Barcelona forward has already made waves in La Liga and across Europe with his dribbling, flair, and fearlessness — even drawing the ire of some Madrid supporters, who reportedly tried to burn his jersey ahead of the 2025 Copa del Rey final on April 29.

Lahm’s guidance emphasizes a proactive defensive approach: closing down angles, steering him into less threatening areas, and stripping him of the time needed to make decisive moves.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal is one of the top 2025 Ballon d’Or contenders following the shortlist announcement on August 7.

Can Lamine Yamal win the Ballon d’Or?

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Currently Lamine Yamal is considered a second favourite player to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or. According to GiveMeSport, French forward Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain is the leading favourite to win the top prize, topping the power rankings as of August 9, 2025.

Here’s the Ballon d’Or 2025 power rankings as of August 11.

1. Ousmane Dembélé – Paris Saint-Germain

2. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona

3. Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain

4. Raphinha – Barcelona

5. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

6. Desire Doué – Paris Saint-Germain

7. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain

8. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid

9. Nuno Mendes – Paris Saint-Germain

10. Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain

11. Pedri – Barcelona

12. Lautaro Martínez – Inter Milan

13. Gianluigi Donnarumma – Paris Saint-Germain

14. Cole Palmer – Chelsea

15. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

16. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona

17. Vinícius Jr – Real Madrid

18. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool

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19. Scott McTominay – Napoli

20. Fabián Ruiz – Paris Saint-Germain

21. João Neves – Paris Saint-Germain

22. Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen / Liverpool

23. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid

24. Erling Haaland – Manchester City

25. Declan Rice – Arsenal

26. Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool

27. Viktor Gyökeres – Sporting CP / Arsenal

28. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich

29. Serhou Guirassy – Borussia Dortmund

30. Denzel Dumfries – Inter Milan

Dembele vs. Lamine Yamal

YEN.com.gh recently outlined three key reasons why Ousmane Dembélé is a strong contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or ahead of Lamine Yamal, following the shortlist announcement last Thursday.

The former Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona star enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 season with Paris Saint-Germain, securing four trophies.

Source: YEN.com.gh