From a Childhood Dream to Global Stardom

On July 13, Lamine Yamal turns 18 after a meteoric rise few could imagine. Born in Esplugues de Llobregat in 2007 to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, he grew up in modest neighborhoods like Rocafonda and Granollers. At just four months old, he was photographed with Lionel Messi for a UNICEF campaign—an image that would later go viral when the boy in the photo became Barça’s heir.

He joined La Masía in 2014 after being spotted by Barcelona scouts while playing for CF La Torreta. He officially became part of the academy at age 7 but didn’t reside in its facilities until 2020.

On April 29, 2023, under Xavi Hernández, he made his first-team debut in LaLiga against Real Betis, becoming the youngest player ever to wear the Barcelona jersey in the competition. Less than a month later, he celebrated his first league title as Barcelona defeated Espanyol to clinch the championship.

International Records and Early Titles

On September 8, 2023, Lamine Yamal made history with Spain, becoming both the youngest debutant and the youngest goalscorer in the national team’s history during a 7–1 win over Georgia in a Euro 2024 qualifier. The following month, he signed his first professional contract with Barcelona, complete with a €1 billion release clause.

He then became the youngest starter in UEFA Champions League history at 16 years and 83 days in a match against Porto, breaking Celestine Babayaro’s longstanding record. Just days later, he scored his first LaLiga goal against Granada, again rewriting history.

On January 24, 2024, he became the youngest goalscorer in the 21st century in the Copa del Rey, scoring against Athletic Club. His debut at Euro 2024 came in a group-stage win over Croatia, making him the youngest player to feature in the tournament. He then scored in the semifinal against France and helped Spain lift the trophy by beating England in the final—just one day after his 17th birthday.

In October, he claimed the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the world’s best U-21 player, surpassing stars like Jude Bellingham, Gavi, and Pedri. In January 2025, he netted the opener in the Supercopa de España final against Real Madrid, and in April, helped beat them again in extra time to win the Copa del Rey.

On May 15, he starred in the derby win over Espanyol, sealing a second league title. Days later, he signed a new contract until 2031 and inherited the iconic No. 10 shirt, once worn by legends like Messi, Maradona, and Ronaldinho.

Lamine Yamal is no longer just a prodigy. He’s a generational talent rewriting football history.