Who was more successful at 17: Lamine Yamal or Kylian Mbappe?

At just 17 years old, both Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe have etched their names into football history with remarkable achievements. Their early careers have been characterized by record-breaking performances and significant contributions to their teams. This article delves into their accomplishments at the age of 17 to determine who has experienced more glory at this pivotal age. Join us as we delve the early careers of these two football prodigies.

Lamine Yamal's Achievements at 17

Club Success with FC Barcelona

Lamine Yamal made his first-team debut for FC Barcelona on April 29, 2023, at just 15 years and 9 months old, becoming the youngest player to appear for the club in over a century. By the age of 17, he had accumulated 64 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 7 assists. His contributions were instrumental in Barcelona's La Liga title win in the 2022-23 season.

In the 2024-25 season, Yamal continued to break records. On October 26, 2024, at 17 years and 105 days old, he became the youngest goalscorer in El Clásico history, netting in a 4-0 victory against Real Madrid. He also set a new benchmark on February 2, 2025, by completing 21 dribbles in a single match against Alavés, surpassing Lionel Messi's previous record from 2007.

International Glory with Spain

Yamal's impact extended to the international stage. He debuted for the Spanish national team on September 8, 2023, scoring in a 7-1 victory against Georgia, making him Spain's youngest-ever player and goalscorer at 16 years and 57 days old.

His most notable achievement came during UEFA Euro 2024, where he played a pivotal role in Spain's championship run. Yamal scored a remarkable goal in the semi-final against France, becoming the youngest goalscorer in European Championship history. He was subsequently named the Young Player of the Tournament.

Kylian Mbappé's Achievements at 17

Breakthrough with AS Monaco

Kylian Mbappe began his professional career with AS Monaco, making his first-team debut on December 2, 2015, at 16 years and 347 days old, breaking Thierry Henry's record as the club's youngest-ever player. He scored his first professional goal on February 20, 2016, becoming Monaco's youngest goalscorer at 17 years and 62 days old.

During the 2016-17 season, Mbappé's performances were instrumental in Monaco's Ligue 1 title win. He scored 26 goals in 44 matches across all competitions, including a hat-trick against Rennes in the Coupe de la Ligue on December 14, 2016, at 17 years and 359 days old.

European Stage Impact

Mbappé made a significant impact in the UEFA Champions League at 17. He scored his first Champions League goal on February 21, 2017, in a 5-3 loss to Manchester City, becoming the second-youngest French scorer in the competition's history. His performances helped Monaco reach the semi-finals, with Mbappe scoring six goals in the tournament.

Comparative Analysis

Both Yamal and Mbappe achieved remarkable success by the age of 17, but their paths to glory differ.

Club Achievements

Mbappé's contributions were crucial in leading AS Monaco to a Ligue 1 title, showcasing his ability to perform in high-stakes matches, particularly in the Champions League. Yamal, on the other hand, played a significant role in FC Barcelona's domestic success and set multiple individual records, highlighting his exceptional talent and potential.

International Success

Yamal's international achievements at 17 are unparalleled. Winning the UEFA European Championship with Spain and being named the Young Player of the Tournament underscore his impact on the international stage. Mbappe's senior international success came after turning 17, with his standout performances occurring during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Lamine Yamal or Kylian Mbappe?

While both players have demonstrated extraordinary talent and achieved significant milestones by the age of 17, Lamine Yamal's combination of club success, record-breaking performances, and international glory with Spain's Euro 2024 triumph suggests that he has experienced more glory at this age compared to Kylian Mbappe.

What You Should Know About Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé at 17

• Lamine Yamal debuted for FC Barcelona at 15 years and 9 months, becoming the youngest player in over a century.
• By 17, Yamal had 64 appearances, 12 goals, and 7 assists for Barcelona.
• He became the youngest goalscorer in El Clásico history at 17 years and 105 days.
• Yamal played a pivotal role in Spain's Euro 2024 victory, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the tournament's history.
• Kylian Mbappé debuted for AS Monaco at 16 years and 347 days, breaking Thierry Henry's record.
• He scored his first professional goal at 17 years and 62 days, becoming Monaco's youngest goalscorer.
• Mbappé was instrumental in Monaco's 2016-17 Ligue 1 title win, scoring 26 goals in 44 matches.
• He made a significant impact in the UEFA Champions League, helping Monaco reach the semi-finals with six goals.