Barcelona fans across the world are always keeping a close eye on the latest prospects to come through the club's celebrated academy.
Now much of their focus is on a new prodigy from the Spanish giants' production line of La Masia: Lamine Yamal.
On Saturday, April 29, 2023, Barca boss Xavi gave Lamine Yamal his debut at the age of just 15 years, nine months and 16 days old, making him the youngest debutant in the club's history in the 4-0 win against Real Betis.
He has added more minutes during the 2023/24 season and he made further history when Spain faced Georgia in Euro 2024 qualifying on September 8.
At the age of 16 years and 57 days, he became both Spain's youngest international male player and goalscorer, breaking both records held by Barca teammate Gavi, who made his senior international debut at 17 years and 62 days old in 2021.
On October 8, Yamal duly became the youngest scorer in Liga history with Barca's first goal as they came back to draw 2-2 at Granada.
The Sporting News takes a look at his story and profile.
This is Lamine Yamal. pic.twitter.com/9skFlWY3tE
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 22, 2023
Who is Lamine Yamal?
Lamine Yamal was born on July 13, 2007 in Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain. His father is Moroccan and his mother is from Equatorial Guinea.
On arriving at Barcelona in 2014, he became part of the club's youth set-up and followed the usual path of young players who dream of making their debuts for professional clubs.
His performances at La Masia did not go unnoticed by the Moroccan Football Federation, who showed an interest in capping the player at youth level, but the forward has played for Spain between Under-15s and Under-19s level.
He was called up to the senior Spain squad for the international window in September 2023. La Roja face Georgia and then Cyprus in Euro 2024 qualifying matches.
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Lamine Yamal contract, salary, release clause
On October 2, 2023, Barcelona announced that Lamine Yamal had signed a new contract with the club.
The deal runs until June 30, 2026 and contains a release clause of €1 billion.
According to Sport, there is also an agreement whereby Lamine Yamal's contract will be changed automatically once he turns 18. At that point, his latest deal will be terminated and a new one signed that will run until June 2030, with a significant salary increase expected.
His salary is said to be approximately $1 million per year.
❝It's an honor.❞
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 2, 2023
— Lamine Yamal on his new deal with Barça pic.twitter.com/bm3eFfimnx
Lamine Yamal style of play
Although he is more skilled with his left foot, Lamine Yamal plays as a right winger. His coaches highlight his beguiling ability to evade his markers, cutting in and going past players from the right.
In addition to his dribbling, Lamine Yamal's speed and finishing stand out as his great attacking characteristics. "He is different," observed Xavi before adding the youngster to his matchday squad for the first time for a game against Atletico Madrid on April 23.
"He is an innate talent, and youngsters are not afraid. He has had wonderful training sessions. I thought the best thing was to put him on the list."
🎙️ Xavi talks about Lamine Yamal: "He's a positive, happy person." pic.twitter.com/KCKTeSluPk
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 1, 2023
Youngest Barcelona players to make their debut
Lamine Yamal's appearance against Betis took the record off Vicenc Martinez Alama, who was born in Barcelona on January 12, 1925 and made his first-team debut at the age of 16 years, nine months and five days old on October 18, 1941.
Here are the five youngest rookies in the history of Barca.
| Player | Age on debut |
| Lamine Yamal | 15 years, nine months, 16 days |
| Vicenç Martinez | 16 years, nine months, five days |
| Ansu Fati | 16 years, nine months, 25 days |
| Bojan Krkic | 17 years, 19 days |
| Gavi | 17 years, 24 days |
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Youngest debutant in La Liga history
Luka Romero, at 15 years and 255 days, remains the youngest debutant in La Liga history, with a birthdate of November 18, 2004.
Born in Mexico but nationalised as an Argentine, Romero came on against Barcelona's arch-rivals, Real Madrid, during their 2-0 win over his Mallorca team on June 24, 2020.
Youngest player in Champions League knockout stages
On February 21, 2024, Lamal added another record to his list when he was selected to start Barcelona's Champions League Round of 16, first leg at Napoli.
It meant the attacker became the youngest player in history to play a Champions League knockout game at 16 years and 223 days.
Lamine Yamal full name
Lamine Yamal's full name is Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana. 'Nasraoui' is his paternal surname and 'Ebana' is the surname on his mother's side.
As is customary in certain Spanish naming conventions, it is appropriate to call him "Lamine Yamal" rather than shorten the name to just "Lamine" or "Yamal".