Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí are two of the best young footballers in the world. This is what the CIES (International Centre for Sports Studies) Football Observatory considers, as they lead the list of the most experienced young players based on their age and their contribution in the position they occupy on the field.
The level of experience of each footballer is calculated by the CIES based on the official match minutes of the previous year, weighted by the sporting level of the matches played. According to the order, Lamine is first on the list for having 2.75 times more experience for his age and position than his teammate, Cubarsí, who has 2.42. Third place goes to Endrick, the Real Madrid striker with 2.40. The top 5 is completed by the Frenchman Warren Zaire-Emery of PSG with 2.40 and the Englishman Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United with 2.32.
Lamine Yamal continues to write his history in football
It is no surprise that Lamine is first on this list. His spectacular performances and impressive numbers make him a very valuable player. So far in the 2024/25 season, the Spaniard has four assists and one goal in four games. In addition, in the seven Euro Cup matches, he assisted in four and scored the goal against France that gave Spain a pass to the final.
A decisive player who on September 10 was chosen as the best U-23 player of the month of August in LaLiga. He is also the third-highest assist-giver in 2024 with 17 assists, only surpassed by the Brazilian Oscar (Shanghai) and the Belgian Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) who have 18. Although the greatest recognition was his nomination for the Ballon d'Or, where he is part of the best 30 players in the world and where he will compete for the Kopa Trophy, which awards the best player under 21 years of age.
Pau Cubarsí continues to shine like gold
For his part, Cubarsí is not far behind. The 17-year-old player has made an incredible projection both with Barcelona and in the Spanish national team. This summer he won the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he played five games with a total of 411 minutes of play. Last season he played 1,927 minutes in 24 matches.
In addition, he is one of the undisputed players in Hansi Flick's team thanks to his ability to start the ball out from the byline, showing himself to be a defender with a clear profile as a midfielder. He is also nominated for the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d'Or gala, so his future, like that of his teammate, is more than bright.