Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has tipped France forward Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal to become football's next global superstars following the international departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The Spanish tactician believes the two emerging talents are well-positioned to carry the legacy of the legendary duo, insisting that football already has players capable of defining its next generation.
Speaking to EFE ahead of Spain's final two Nations League group fixtures against the Czech Republic and England, De la Fuente praised the remarkable careers of Messi and Ronaldo, describing himself as a “fervent admirer” of what both players have contributed to the game.
He highlighted their consistency, determination and professionalism, noting that their hunger for success remained strong even after achieving almost everything in football.
“They have been an example for the world of soccer. Players who had already won everything and still wanted to win. At 39 and 41, they were an example of performance, behavior, and sportsmanship,” he said.
When asked about potential successors to the two football icons, De la Fuente explained that the sport has always produced exceptional talents capable of taking over from previous generations.
“In their time there was Pele, then Cruyff arrived, then Maradona, then Cristiano and Messi, and now other phenomena will soon appear because they’re already here,” he stated.
The Spain manager specifically mentioned Mbappe and Yamal as two players expected to leave a lasting mark on the sport, expressing confidence in their ability to dominate football in the coming years.
He added that both youngsters “are going to mark an era in soccer, for sure”.
Meanwhile, international football is approaching a significant milestone, as the latest FIFA international break marks the first time in 23 years that neither Messi nor Ronaldo will feature for their respective countries during an international window.
The last time such a situation occurred was in August 2003, highlighting the extraordinary influence both players have maintained over international football for more than two decades.
With Argentina and Portugal preparing to compete without their biggest stars, attention is gradually shifting towards a new generation of footballers expected to shape the future of the game.
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