Jesus joined Barcelona from Arsenal this summer and has quickly settled into the squad, where he has been struck by Yamal’s ability and maturity despite his young age.
“Neymar is the most gifted player I have played with. He could do everything with both feet. For me, he is untouchable, nobody can compare with him,” Jesus told EFE.
“But it is true that Lamine has things from him, such as his dribbling and personality. He is still very young, but he does things like a mature player, as if he were 30. He is a genius who improves every year.”
Jesus expects Yamal to collect further major honours with both Barcelona and Spain and considers his teammate the leading candidate for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
“I don't like talking about the Ballon d'Or, because I don't know whether they reward the player's talent, his performance or the titles, but Lamine is the player I have enjoyed watching most for years, and this year he has won almost everything. For me, he is the favourite,” he said.
The Brazilian also revealed his admiration for Ronaldo Nazario, whom he regards as an idol. Jesus is particularly inspired by the former Brazil striker’s ability to overcome serious knee injuries, having suffered two significant setbacks himself.
He missed three and a half months after a partial anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee in 2022 and was sidelined for 11 months after rupturing the ACL in his left knee in January 2025.
Jesus believes he has recovered around 90 per cent of his physical capacity and has adjusted his game since returning.
“I always try to stay closer to the area to finish moves and not go looking for the ball as much, because now I want to help more with goals,” he said.
His faith has also become an important part of his recovery. Jesus says he regularly listens to religious music and reads the Bible, particularly recalling how his faith supported him during his injury struggles.
“When I had the injuries and nobody wanted me, God was there with me,” he said.
The move to Barcelona was particularly significant because the club had tried to sign Jesus from Palmeiras in 2016. He instead chose Manchester City, believing working with Pep Guardiola would be better for his development.
“At the time Barcelona had three forwards, Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez, so it was difficult to get minutes,” Jesus said. “I decided to go with Pep at City because I thought that, being so young, being with him was the best thing for my future.”
Jesus now wants to win major honours with Barcelona, including the Champions League and La Liga, while making the most of an opportunity he once believed had passed him by.
“I thought the opportunity to play for Barça had passed, but God surprised me again,” he said.
“With Barça I want to win everything. Not just the Champions League, La Liga too, because I have won it in Brazil and England and now I want to win it in Spain.”