Published: July 3, 2026
MONROVIA — Liberian football legend George Weah has dismissed comparisons between Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, insisting the France captain remains “far superior” to the teenage sensation.
Speaking on the Spanish television program El Chiringuito after France’s 3-0 victory over Sweden at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Weah praised Mbappé’s impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“He’s a phenomenon,” Weah said. “He’s truly a very good player and a very good goalscorer.”
The 1995 Ballon d’Or winner cautioned against comparing the 18-year-old Yamal with the established French star, saying the Barcelona winger is still developing.
“Lamine Yamal is just a young boy. You shouldn’t compare him to Mbappé,” Weah said. “Mbappé is a phenomenon, while Lamine is still developing and growing. All I hope is that Lamine continues on his path. But you can’t compare him to Mbappé. Everyone knows that Mbappé is far superior.”
The comments come as Yamal continues to attract global attention following his rapid rise with Barcelona and Spain. Weah, however, believes Mbappé’s sustained success at the highest level sets him apart.
Mbappé has been one of the standout performers at the 2026 World Cup, scoring six goals to move into a share of the tournament’s Golden Boot race with Lionel Messi.
The France captain scored twice against Sweden and came close to a hat trick after hitting the post and having another effort ruled out for offside.
His latest brace took his career World Cup tally to 18 goals, leaving him one behind Messi as both stars continue their pursuit of the tournament’s all-time scoring record.
For Weah, that consistency on football’s biggest stage is what separates Mbappé from emerging talents.
While Yamal has enjoyed a remarkable start to his career and is widely regarded as one of the world’s brightest young players, Weah believes comparisons with Mbappé are premature.
“Everyone knows that Mbappé is far superior,” the Liberian icon said.
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