The champion took a jab at Lamine Yamal: "Not the best 19-year-old in the world"

Over the last three years, Luke Littler has become a household name in England and one of the most talked-about athletes in the kingdom. The darts champion has racked up title after title, and it turns out he does not lack self-confidence: he claims he is the greatest athlete in the world right now.

Littler has won more or less every possible tournament this year, and when asked if he is the most dominant athlete in the world, he first mentioned Jannik Sinner, who won Wimbledon and five consecutive Masters tournaments, and then sent a jab towards Lamine Yamal.

"Of course it's hard to say that right now, when Sinner won Wimbledon," he said. "But based on the way I'm winning, performing, and collecting titles, it's probably the best thing there is right now."

Regarding the 19-year-old Barcelona star, the champion said:

"Spain won the World Cup and everyone is talking about Lamine Yamal. He didn't really do too much, did he? Scored maybe one goal and also assisted. Is he the best 19-year-old in the world? No, he is not. As long as I'm winning, playing well, and collecting titles, that's all that matters."

Littler, who became a professional in January 2024, has already accumulated more than 3.1 million pounds in prize money and built a large lead at the top of the world rankings. Despite his dominance, the young Englishman claims he does not train for long hours before competitions. According to him, the foundation for success was built during the coronavirus period, when he trained for seven or eight hours a day. Today, he settles for about 20 to 25 minutes of warm-up before going on stage.