Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has named two superstars he believes can succeed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, predicting that they will lead a new era in world football.
2026 Coach of the Year Claims Messi and Ronaldo’s Successors Have Already Arrived
2026 Coach of the Year Luis de la Fuente has made a bold statement about the future of world football, claiming that two stars are ready to follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Spain national team manager believes football is entering a new era as two of its greatest legends move away from the international stage.
Speaking in an interview with Spanish news agency EFE on November 10, De la Fuente identified the players he expects to lead the next generation.
And his choices are Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
De la Fuente names Messi and Ronaldo’s successors
De la Fuente believes Mbappé and Yamal have the talent and personality needed to become the next major figures in world football.
The Spanish coach expressed strong confidence in their futures.
“They will definitely mark an era in football,” De la Fuente said, according to a translation of his remarks.
He also explained that having several superstars competing at the highest level is important for football.
De la Fuente believes the rivalry between Mbappé and Yamal could help create a new generation of excitement, similar to the competition between Messi and Ronaldo.
Messi and Ronaldo receive special praise
Despite naming their possible successors, De la Fuente made it clear that he has enormous respect for Messi and Ronaldo.
The 2026 Coach of the Year described both legends as examples of professionalism, dedication and sporting behaviour.
He was particularly impressed by their incredible desire to continue winning after achieving almost everything in football.
According to De la Fuente, Messi and Ronaldo have set standards that future generations should try to follow.
The Spanish coach believes their achievements and winning mentality have left an unforgettable mark on the sport.
Yamal receives important advice from Spain coach
De la Fuente also shared his thoughts about Lamine Yamal’s development.
The Barcelona winger has already established himself among the world’s best players despite being only 19 years old.
He finished third in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings, behind Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé.
However, De la Fuente warned that Yamal must continue working hard, improving his game and learning to handle pressure if he wants to become a true football legend.
The Spain coach praised Yamal’s maturity and his ability to deal with enormous expectations at such a young age.
A new era after Messi and Ronaldo
For nearly two decades, Messi and Ronaldo dominated world football, winning major trophies and setting extraordinary records.
Now, Mbappé and Yamal are emerging as two of the biggest names in the next generation.
Their rivalry is especially exciting because they represent Real Madrid and Barcelona, two of football’s greatest rivals.
Although neither player has yet matched the legendary achievements of Messi and Ronaldo, De la Fuente believes they have the potential to shape the future of football.
And according to the 2026 Coach of the Year, the next great football era may have already begun.
