At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal can already boast an impressive collection of trophies. However, two major titles still elude him the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup.
Yamal’s meteoric rise began in April 2023 when he was promoted to Barcelona's first team at the age of 15. Since then, he has made 106 appearances, scoring 25 goals and providing 34 assists.
His contributions were instrumental in helping Barcelona secure the LaLiga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup last season. On the international stage, Yamal’s impact has been equally remarkable. He played a key role in Spain’s triumph at UEFA Euro 2024, where he was named the tournament’s Best Young Player, registering one goal and four assists.
His performances have drawn widespread acclaim and prompted Barcelona to extend his contract until 2031, with his weekly salary reportedly rising to €320,000. The club views him as a generational talent potentially the next icon in the mold of Lionel Messi.
Despite his early success, Yamal remains hungry for more. The young forward has set his sights on two of football’s most prestigious titles.
“I haven’t won the Champions League or the World Cup yet. That’s my mission now,” Yamal told ESPN.
Last season, he helped Barcelona reach the Champions League semifinals before they were eliminated by Inter Milan. On the international front, Yamal is expected to play a vital role as Spain begins its qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup this September.
