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Barcelona’s young star, Lamine Yamal, is not worried about pressure. He says he enjoys playing football and always gives his best in every game.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The 17-year-old Spanish winger boldly said he doesn’t feel pressure. “Pressure? I left it behind me at my home long time ago… I don’t feel pressure!” Yamal stated.
“I just feel like I have to enjoy the moment and give it my all, and that’s it.” He made his Barcelona debut two years ago, on April 29, 2023, becoming the youngest player to play for Barcelona in La Liga at 15 years and 290 days old.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Yamal’s calmness shows in his games this season. The La Masia graduate has become a key player for Barcelona since breaking into the first team during the 2023-24 season. In his first start, Barcelona won 2-0 against Cádiz, and he was named the first U23 Player of the Month for August 2023.
Barcelona is first in La Liga, 7 points ahead of Real Madrid, with four games left. They are also in the Champions League semi-finals where they play Inter Milan for a spot in the final. Yamal’s fearless dribbling and smart play make him one of Barcelona’s most dangerous attackers, despite his young age.
YAMAL’S REMARKABLE JOURNEY
Yamal joined Barcelona’s academy at seven years old from CF La Torreta. His rise has been remarkable, showing top-level skills, understanding, and decision-making. In October 2023, Yamal renewed his Barcelona contract until 2026 with a massive €1 billion buyout clause. He has played for Spain’s youth teams, scoring four goals in the 2023 European U17 Championship, where Spain reached the semi-finals.
WHAT NEXT FOR YAMAL?
Barcelona faces a crucial clash this weekend against fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, where a win would be vital to keep their title hopes alive. They currently trail Real Madrid by three points and lead third-placed Girona by five. Yamal is expected to start on the right wing, where his ability to create chances and unsettle defenses will be essential to Barcelona’s attacking plans. Looking further ahead, his continued development suggests he could become one of the dominating forces in world football for the next decade, provided he maintains his current trajectory and avoids the pitfalls that sometimes affect young stars who achieve fame at an early age.
