"You don't need to be an athlete in darts" – Former top footballer questions Luke Littler’s comment comparing him to Lamine Yamal
PDCMonday, 17 August 2026 at 14:20
Littler compared himself to Yamal, who, like the English darts sensation, reached the absolute world elite in his sport at a very young age.
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“Obviously Spain won the World Cup and everyone is talking about Lamine Yamal," said Littler last month. "I mean he didn’t really do much, did he? Scored maybe one goal. Assisted, too. Is he the best 19-year-old in the world? No, he’s not! As long as I’m winning, playing well and picking up trophies, then that’s all that matters.”
Evra, however, finds it difficult to directly compare achievements across different sports, as he told Stake. "I need to see a picture. I don't like just the word athletes. When you say I'm the best in the world, I think every sport, it's different. And sometimes a Formula One driver can be better than a footballer if he's 19 years old. So it's difficult to compare. But I think it's the word athlete!
According to Evra, the physical component is what makes the difference. Although the Frenchman acknowledges that darts requires a great deal of concentration, he does not believe the sport demands the same level of athleticism.
"I think his profession is not enough to be considered, you don't need to be an athlete in darts. Maybe to have the focus and everything. But doing darts, I can do many things to train for it! I don't know. I don't know. It depends on what we call a complete athlete.
Luke Littler wins the World Matchplay.
Evra appreciates Littler's confidence
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However, Evra is far from critical of Littler's mentality. On the contrary, the former France international enjoys seeing athletes who are convinced of their own abilities. He therefore does not view the young Englishman's comments as arrogance.
But if you feel that way, I mean, I love when people say that. I never say they are crazy. I never say they are arrogant. He's confident. If he thinks he's the best, let him think he's the best. What's the problem, guys?
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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