According to a report by Barca Universal on Tuesday November 3, 2026, former Barcelona and Real Madrid winger Luis Figo has heaped praise on Lamine Yamal, admitting that he might have been forced to switch positions if he had played alongside the Barcelona youngster.

Figo, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2000, made the amusing admission while discussing Yamal's playing style and the qualities that have made the teenager one of Barcelona's most dangerous attacking players.

Yamal has established himself as a key figure at Barcelona, with his dribbling ability, creativity and confidence in one-on-one situations making him a difficult opponent for defenders.

The 19-year-old predominantly operates from the right wing, where he regularly uses his technical ability and pace to trouble opposition defenders.

Asked to imagine playing in the same team as Yamal, Figo suggested that they might have needed to share the responsibility of occupying the right flank.

“If we had played together, maybe I would have had to play on the left and switch positions,” the former Portugal international said, as quoted by SPORT.

Figo's comments highlighted his admiration for the Barcelona youngster, while also recognising the similarities in their preferred positions during their playing careers.

The former winger also discussed the challenges defenders face when attempting to stop players like Yamal.

According to Figo, modern football has gradually moved away from traditional man-to-man marking, with teams increasingly relying on zonal defensive systems.

He explained that defenders generally concentrate on opponents entering their designated areas rather than following one particular attacker across the entire pitch.

“I think you see less and less man-to-man marking on the field these days,” Figo said.

Figo also reflected on his own qualities as a footballer, recalling the technical ability, physical strength and acceleration that made him one of the finest right wingers of his generation.

The Portuguese legend enjoyed a distinguished career, representing Barcelona and Real Madrid, among other clubs, and establishing himself as one of the outstanding players of his era.