Lamine Yamal Picks His All-Time Best Barcelona XI — And Leaves Out Dani Alves
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, has made headlines again — not for a goal or assist this time, but for his personal all-time best Barcelona XI. The 18-year-old winger, who just signed his first professional contract running until 2031 and will wear the iconic No. 10 shirt next season, compiled a dream team that reflects his admiration for Barça legends past and present.
Yamal’s XI includes some of the most iconic names in football history — but one glaring omission has fans talking.
Lamine Yamal’s Barcelona XI: Full Line-up
Goalkeeper: Victor Valdés “In my opinion, he’s the best goalkeeper we’ve ever had, among those I’ve been able to watch,” Yamal said, choosing Valdés over current shot-stopper Marc-André ter Stegen.
Defenders: Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, Javier Mascherano A back three loaded with grit, leadership, and experience — though Dani Alves, widely considered one of the best right-backs in football history, is notably absent.
Midfielders: Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Ronaldinho A perfect blend of tiki-taka elegance and Brazilian flair. Yamal included Ronaldinho, who brought magic back to Camp Nou before the Messi era truly began.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Neymar The legendary MSN trio leads the line. Yamal’s choice of front three underscores their unforgettable chemistry and impact on modern football.
Why Dani Alves Was Left Out
Despite his six La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, and over 400 appearances for the Catalan giants, Dani Alves didn’t make the cut. Many fans speculate that his ongoing legal issues may have influenced Yamal’s decision, as the Brazilian has been in the spotlight for off-the-pitch controversies in recent years.
Lamine Yamal: A New Generation of Barça Legacy
Although none of Yamal’s current teammates made his dream XI — and he didn’t include himself either — the winger’s picks reflect deep respect for the golden era of Barcelona under managers like Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.
With four major titles already and comparisons to legends like Pele and Maradona, Lamine Yamal is quickly carving out his own path to greatness at Camp Nou.
