The young Barcelona winger and European champion with Spain has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or and is the clear favorite to win the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded to the best footballer in the world under the age of 21.
Lamine Yamal’s rapid ascent in the world of football has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 17 years old, the Barcelona winger has already made a significant impact on both club and international stages, becoming a sensation in a remarkably short period.
As the favorite to win the Kopa Trophy, which recognizes the best footballer under the age of 21, Yamal’s talent and maturity have not gone unnoticed. Additionally, being one of the 30 nominees for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d'Or, his achievements have firmly placed him among the most promising young talents in the world.
In his recent interview with L’Équipe, Yamal opened up about his journey to the top, reflecting on the challenges he faced as a young player suddenly thrust into the spotlight. When he first joined Barcelona's senior team in the 2022/23 season under the guidance of Xavi, he experienced a lot of nervousness and insecurity. Surrounded by seasoned professionals like Jordi Alba, Gerard Piqué, and Miralem Pjanic, Yamal initially struggled to find his footing. He described feeling so shy that he would avoid spending time in the locker room, opting instead to go to the gym and ride a bike to avoid interactions. This shyness is a stark contrast to the confidence he now displays on the pitch.
Yamal credits his childhood experiences with helping him overcome these initial feelings of inadequacy. Growing up, he often played football on the streets, facing much older opponents who were often nearly twice his age. This early exposure to playing against stronger and more experienced players helped him develop a fearless attitude. “Playing on the streets took away my fear of facing older people. I was 11 or 12 years old, and my opponents were 20. That made me lose the fear and enjoy being able to play against anyone,” he shared. This street football mentality translated well into his professional career, where he quickly adapted to the higher levels of play and pressure.
Interestingly, Yamal also discussed his discomfort with the rapid progression through youth levels due to his exceptional talent. Despite his undeniable abilities, he did not enjoy "skipping levels," as it often meant playing with and against older age groups. He felt that this made things too easy for him at times, and he preferred to be challenged rather than feeling overconfident or relaxed. “I am someone who doesn’t like being at a higher level, like I was in the youth teams, because I don’t like being relaxed or overconfident. I always like it to be more difficult; I’d rather not play than play everything and have it be too easy,” he emphasized. This desire for continuous challenge and growth highlights his determination to push his limits and not become complacent with his talent.
Yamal’s journey to the top also has a unique element: his experiences playing football with his dogs as a child. He mentioned how his father would encourage him to play with their pets, reassuring him that they wouldn’t bite, and how this taught him agility and unpredictability. “I always played with my dogs because my father said they wouldn’t bite, and I would run with them. Playing against a dog is the hardest thing you can do,” he concluded with a smile. This playful yet challenging practice from his childhood may have contributed to his agility and quick reflexes, qualities that have become hallmarks of his playing style.
As Yamal continues to evolve as a player, his story serves as an inspiration for young footballers around the world. His ability to overcome shyness, his relentless pursuit of improvement, and his humble beginnings playing on the streets and with his dogs, all contribute to the making of a football star who is not only talented but also grounded and driven. His nomination for both the Kopa Trophy and the Ballon d'Or at such a young age is a testament to his hard work, and it will be exciting to see how his career unfolds in the years to come.
