Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit, during an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times in Dubai, shared his insights on the evolution of football, the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate, and the emergence of new talents like Lamine Yamal. Gullit, a former Ballon d’Or winner and key figure in AC Milan’s golden era, reminisced about his playing days and the transformative impact of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi on the sport. He also discussed the challenges facing modern football, including the physicality of players and the shifting dynamics of leagues like Serie A. Gullit praised the rapid development of Dubai, drawing parallels to the changes in football over the decades. He highlighted the immense potential of young Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, while cautioning against overburdening the 18-year-old with responsibilities. Gullit also reflected on the Netherlands’ World Cup heartbreaks and shared his predictions for the 2026 World Cup, naming Spain, France, Argentina, and his beloved Holland as top contenders.