Barcelona’s Rising Star Lamine Yamal: Making His Own Path

Aimee Cherry Quartey
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Barcelona’s Rising Star Lamine Yamal: Making His Own Path
Lamine Yamal
Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, is making waves in the soccer world, but he wants to make one thing clear: he’s not trying to be Lionel Messi. The 16-year-old forward has already made history by becoming the youngest scorer in LaLiga and recently helped Spain win the 2024 European Championship, but he believes the comparisons to Messi are unfair and unrealistic.

“I like that they compare me to the greatest player in the history of football, but I want to be myself,” Yamal said in a recent interview with Spanish TV station Antena 3. “Reaching Messi’s level is impossible.” It’s a humble approach from a player who has already achieved so much at such a young age.

Yamal’s journey in soccer started early. He first caught the attention of fans and scouts when he scored for Barcelona at just 15 years old. This past summer, he further elevated his status by helping Spain win the European Championship in Germany, where he also became the youngest player to ever compete in the tournament. His standout moment came when he scored a spectacular equalizer in the semifinal against France, paving the way for Spain’s victory over England in the final.

Interestingly, Yamal’s connection to Messi goes way back. When he was just six months old, he appeared in a charity calendar alongside the soccer legend. Reflecting on that moment, Yamal joked, “Man, he passed along some of his powers to me. I still have a lot to give.”

Despite the pressure that comes with being compared to one of the greatest players in history, Yamal remains focused on his own goals. He has expressed a strong desire to spend his entire career with Barcelona, saying, “I hope I never have to leave. I want to be a legend.”

Looking back on his club debut, Yamal recalled a nervous moment when he arrived early to the stadium and hesitated to join his teammates. “I remember I arrived before anyone else and I had to eat breakfast, but I didn’t go. I waited by the bicycles and didn’t come out until everyone left,” he said 

As he continues to shine on the field, Lamine Yamal is determined to carve out his own legacy in soccer while staying true to himself.

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