The rapid rise of Lamine Yamal to Barcelona’s first team didn’t happen as suddenly as many may think. According to Jordi Cruyff, Xavi was ready to hand the young forward his debut long before it actually happened. Impressed by his performances in training, Xavi believed Yamal was prepared to make an impact with the senior squad at just 15.

Sporting Department Stepped In to Protect Yamal

Despite the coach’s enthusiasm, the club's sporting directors urged caution. “Xavi wanted him to debut earlier. Mateu and I had to discuss it,” revealed Jordi Cruyff. “We always worked together as a team, making decisions collectively, always through dialogue,” he added.

Their concern wasn’t just about Yamal’s development on the pitch—it was also about his contractual situation. At the time, Yamal wasn’t under a professional contract. “We told Xavi: ‘He’s 15 and not protected. If he plays ten matches and shows his talent, we’ll have put him on the market without a safety net,’” explained Cruyff.

Strategic Patience Paid Off

The player’s agent, Iván de la Peña, played a fundamental role in the process. According to Cruyff, “He did an exceptional job. He always prioritized football over everything else.” When Jorge Mendes later took over as Yamal’s representative, there was still trust that the club’s interests would be respected. Only when all parties were aligned did Cruyff and Mateu Alemany give Xavi the green light. “Otherwise, he would’ve debuted much earlier,” Cruyff noted.

Once Yamal took the field, he immediately confirmed the potential that had excited everyone behind the scenes. “He did special things with the ball,” said Cruyff, who was also struck by the reactions of the club's veterans. “Their body language said it all. They looked at each other like: ‘What is this kid doing?’”

With a contract now running until 2031, Lamine Yamal has proven that patience was the right approach. Though he could’ve debuted earlier, the strategy put in place has helped both the player and Barcelona navigate his early career successfully.