The name Lamine Yamal is once again at the center of controversy. This time, due to comments made by Javier Clemente, former Spain manager, who cast doubt on the long-term projection of the FC Barcelona youngster unless he corrects certain aspects of his personal life.

Clemente, known for his blunt style, told Cadena SER that the greatest risk for the winger isn’t his football, but what happens away from the pitch: “As a player he’s very good, but if his personal life doesn’t reflect the behavior of a professional athlete, he won’t last long. That’s clear. They won’t allow it.”

The veteran coach pointed to the constant media attention, social-media videos, controversies about his age and even the recent incident in which a last-minute medical treatment ruled him out of the national team. In his view, the player’s environment is generating too much noise at a crucial moment in his development.

A Brilliant Talent Already on Everyone’s Radar

Beyond off-field concerns, Clemente also warned that Lamine’s impact on the game could decrease for tactical reasons. “He does brilliant things, but opponents already know how he plays,” he explained. “They know he’s a player you can’t give even a meter of space. He’s going to be marked and watched very closely.”

The coach believes this new phase, in which defenders study and anticipate him, could make his performances less visually spectacular than in his first months as a professional: “He’s not going to be as flashy as what we’ve seen so far.”

A Message for the National Team and Barça: Less Noise, More Internal Management

Clemente also addressed both the Spanish Football Federation and Barcelona, following the tense moments sparked by the most recent call-up. His message was clear: don’t turn the youngster into the center of an institutional battle.
“Neither Barça should fight the Federation, nor the Federation fight Barça,” he said. “This must be handled internally, not turned into a cockfight.”

At just 18, Lamine Yamal continues to generate intense debate. Between those who see him as Spain’s next great star and those who fear the pressure surrounding him, one thing seems certain: the future of the young prodigy will depend as much on his talent as on his environment’s ability to protect him.