World best: Spain coach De la Fuente names two players to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has identified France forward Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal as potential successors to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as football’s next global superstars.

The Spanish manager believes both players have the talent and potential to carry the legacy of the two football icons and shape the next generation of the sport.

Speaking to EFE ahead of Spain’s final two Nations League group matches against the Czech Republic and England, De la Fuente praised the remarkable careers of Messi and Ronaldo, describing himself as a “fervent admirer” of their contributions to football.

He highlighted their consistency, determination and professionalism, noting that both players continued pursuing success despite having achieved almost everything in the game.

“They have been an example for the world of soccer. Players who had already won everything and still wanted to win. At 39 and 41, they were an example of performance, behavior, and sportsmanship,” he said.

When asked about potential successors, De la Fuente explained that football has always produced exceptional players capable of taking over from previous generations. He recalled the eras of Pele, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi before identifying Mbappe and Yamal as the next major talents.

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He expressed confidence in their futures, adding that both youngsters “are going to mark an era in soccer, for sure”. Meanwhile, the latest FIFA international break marks the first time in 23 years that neither Messi nor Ronaldo will represent their countries during an international window, with the last such occurrence dating back to August 2003.