It is no longer a level to be dismissed as 'young talent.' Lamine Yamal (18, Barcelona) has become a name that the world of football pays attention to. Some call him 'the heir of Lionel Messi,' but he firmly draws the line, saying, "The comparisons are for you to make."
The BBC reported on the 13th (Korean time) that "Yamal is walking his own path. An 18-year-old who knows how to surpass comparisons and expectations," shedding light on his growth and surroundings.
As of his birthday today, Yamal has played a total of 106 matches, including 73 in La Liga, 23 in European competitions, and 6 in the Copa del Rey. This is an astonishing figure compared to just 9 matches that Lionel Messi played when he turned 18.
He has repeatedly stated, "I don't compare myself to Messi. I don't want to be compared to anyone. Especially not Messi. That's your job to do." Yamal clearly states that he is not Messi, but is following his own path. Last season, he recorded 18 goals and 25 assists, showcasing a performance that is insufficient to describe him as merely 'a prodigy.' His trophy cabinet is already full, including the Champions League, La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and Euro 2024.
He showed that he is not swayed by expectations and the spotlight, saying, "I am not the best player yet. I need to progress further."
Currently wearing the number 19 jersey, Yamal recently posted a significant photo on social media. Following a photo of his number 19 uniform, he shared images of legends who have inherited Barcelona's 'number 10' lineage, including Maradona, Ronaldinho, Riquelme, Pep, Kubala, and Messi.
With Ansu Fati having departed for Monaco, the owner of the number 10 jersey is vacant. Barcelona has not made an official announcement, but the sales of the number 10 jersey have skyrocketed. The decision rests with Yamal. He is in deep contemplation.
According to the BBC, his teammate Dani Olmo described the atmosphere of the Spanish national team as resembling a 'school playground.' Yamal is at the center of it all. He is the team's DJ, a mood maker, and at the same time, 'a playful spirit who does not cross the line.' Although he met Neymar in Brazil and posted a photo wearing a Moroccan jersey on social media, not everyone dislikes him. He always knows the exact line he should not cross.
The Spanish Football Association and the Moroccan Football Federation fiercely competed for him. Born to a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, he ultimately chose La Roja.
The '304' he expresses with his fingers after scoring is the last three digits of the postal code of the Mataró area where he grew up. Yamal was born in a poor, multicultural neighborhood and has brought the identity and pride of that community to the field.
The most painful moments of this season were the defeats to Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals and to Portugal in the Nations League final. These were significant setbacks that he experienced for the first time in a career that has mostly shown an upward trajectory.
The BBC commented, "The reaction in the locker room was surprising. He immediately set his next goal by saying, 'Now let's aim for the remaining league and cup.' Although he was 17 at the time, his mindset resembled that of a 30-something veteran."
According to reports, a Barcelona executive said, "You forget that he is just 18 years old on the pitch." Another noted, "His balance of confidence and humility is his true weapon."
Yamal continues to observe Ramadan as a Muslim and does not touch alcohol. He is an ordinary teenager outside the training ground, but inside, he is growing into one of the world's best wingers.
His contract extends until 2031, with a buyout clause of a whopping €1 billion (approximately 1.6 trillion won). The reason he is the future of Barcelona is not solely because of his talent. It is because of his mental strength, focus, and relentless desire.
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