Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Saturday, June 06, 2026, 7:20 p.m. / Updated Saturday, June 6, 2026, 7:23 p.m.
Patrice Evra (45), his former great left-back Manchester United and Juventuslaunched a challenge for Lamine Yamal (18), Barcelona's right winger. The Frenchman claims that in his prime he would have had no problem annihilating the Catalan kid.
The statements were made on an ESPN UK show and immediately sparked reactions in the football world, especially as Evra also invoked the names of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to back up his argument.
Patrice Evra: “I would have eaten Lamine Yamal alive”
The former France international believes that his experience and aggression in head-to-head duels would have helped him block the Barcelona star.
“I would have eaten Lamine Yamal alive in one on one duels! I'm sorry Lamine, I like you a lot but…”
Evra continued and recalled the opponents he has faced throughout his career.
“Ask Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi or the other players when they faced me: I was not a good friend on the pitch.”
Former left back Patrice Evra // PHOTO Getty Images
The Frenchman's claims immediately sparked debate on social media. On the one hand, there are those who believe that Lamine Yamal is already one of the most difficult footballers in the world to stop, after his impressive performances in Barcelona and with the Spanish national team.
On the other side are Evra's supporters, who recall the days when the French defender was one of the most complete full-backs in European football, performing at the highest level in the Premier League and Champions League.
An impressive career for Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra played for Marsala, Monza, Nice, AS Monaco, Manchester United, Juventus, Olympique Marseille and West Ham United throughout his career.
However, his golden age was at Manchester United, where he won five Premier League titles and the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson. With the French national team, Evra collected no less than 81 selections.
