Jorge Mendes gives advice to Italy and Lamine Yamal | OneFootball

Jorge Mendes insists that Barcelona talent Lamine Yamal must follow Cristiano Ronaldo’s example while Italian football must rely more on young players.

Mendes has been named the Best European agent by Tuttosport, while his client Yamal is the 2024 Golden Boy winner. The award ceremony will occur in Turin tomorrow, Monday, December 16.

Tuttosport asked Mendes whether his client Yamal should set Cristiano Ronaldo as a role model to achieve the same results as the ex-Juventus star in his career.

“I don’t like comparisons, but Cristiano is surely an example to follow, not just for Lamine but for all young players out there,” Mendes replied.

Jorge Mendes: Super agent gives advice to Italy and Lamine Yamal

epa06052221 Portuguese soccer agent Jorge Mendes (C) arrives at court to testify as suspect in the framework of the tax fraud investigation ‘Falcao Case’ in Pozuelo de Alarcon, near Madrid, Spain, 27 June 2017. Mendes, agent of soccer players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabian Coentrao, Angel Di Maria, and coach Jose Mourinho, has to testify for an alleged 5.666 million euro tax fraud committed allegedly by Colombian soccer player Radamel Falcao. EPA/JUAN CARLOS HIDALGO

“If he follows his example on and off the pitch, he will surely be at the top of Italian football for the next 20 years. Lamine is surely a fantastic talent who beats all the others and is only 17. If he doesn’t get distracted and remains focused, I have no doubts he’ll win the Ballon d’Or multiple times.”

The Portuguese agent also discussed the state of Italian football, insisting that young players should be give more playing time.

“Italy must rely more on young players,” Mendes argued.

“I’ve always defended the attention given to young players because they often have more talents than others. They just need a chance, in Italy or any other country. A young player can’t be affected just because he’s young. I always say that the most important thing for a young player is surely the coach.”

During the same interview, Mendes spoke about two other clients, Juventus winger Francisco Conceiçao and Benfica’s Antonio Silva, who has been linked with a move to Turin in the January transfer window.