Full Name: Lamine Yamal
Date of Birth: 13/07/2007
Place of Birth: Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s): Winger / Forward
Current Club: Barcelona
Jersey Number: 27
Lamine Yamal, a prodigious talent nurtured from childhood in Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, has rapidly ascended to one of football's most exciting young prospects.
Bursting onto the scene at a remarkably young age, he has already set numerous records and achieved milestones that underline his extraordinary potential. Yamal's journey so far has been nothing short of spectacular and it is why we've chosen to share some intriguing facts about this rising star, who is set to make a lasting impact on the world of football.
Below Are 9 Interesting Lamine Yamal Facts From Childhood
1. He Has A Mixed Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean Heritage Through His Parents
Lamine Yamal's mixed heritage, with a Moroccan father Mounir Nasraoui and an Equatorial Guinean Fang mother Sheila Ebana, has given him a unique cultural background that adds to his strength and resilience.
Born in Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, he grew up in Granollers and Mataró. At a tender age, his family moved to Barcelona, where he joined FC Barcelona's youth academy, bringing his diverse influences into his development as a player.
2. He Began His Football Career at CF La Torreta Before Barca’s La Masia
Lamine's journey started at CF La Torreta before he excelled at Barcelona's prestigious La Masia academy. Many may not be aware of his humble beginnings at CF La Torreta, underscoring the depth of his footballing roots and the significance of his development at the grassroots level before joining the renowned FC Barcelona youth setup at age seven.
3. He Still Attends School but Receives Private Tutoring
Despite his burgeoning football career, the Barca sensation continues to prioritise his education, attending school while receiving private classes. Balancing academics with his athletic pursuits demonstrates Yamal's commitment to holistic development and sets a strong example for aspiring young athletes. His dedication to education alongside his football commitments is evident as he confirmed in a video clip shared on X where he stated: "I still go to school, but they are individual classes."
He also took his homework to Euro 2024 while in the 4th year of ESO, the third stage of the Spanish education system, mandatory for students aged 12 to 16.
4 He Graduated from La Masia to Barca's First Team Rapidly
Yamal's rapid ascent from La Masia to Barcelona's first team was marked by a series of noteworthy achievements under Xavi Hernandez's leadership. He made his first-team debut on April 29, 2023, at just 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days old, becoming the youngest player to appear for Barca since 1922. Also, he was part of the squad that secured the 2022–23 La Liga title.
By August 20, 2023, Yamal earned his first start for the Culers, becoming the youngest starter for the club in La Liga at 16 years and 38 days. His subsequent performances included becoming the youngest player to supply an assist in La Liga and the second youngest to feature in the Champions League.
On October 8, 2023, he scored his first goal for the first team, setting records as the youngest goalscorer for Barcelona and La Liga history. Yamal continued to set new benchmarks, including the youngest player to play in a Champions League knockout phase and the youngest to score in various competitions. These extraordinary feats solidified his status as one of football's brightest young talents.
5. He will be added to FIFA 24 in July 2024
Lamine Yamal is absent from FIFA 24, as EA Sports opted not to include him in their database because he is under 17. This situation is not uncommon, as it previously applied to Ansu Fati in 2019. Fati, a Barcelona star, was similarly omitted from FIFA 20 until he reached age 17. Therefore, Yamal only needs to wait nearly a month before he is eligible for inclusion in the video game.
6. His Versatility in the Final Third Stands Out
His exceptional versatility in the final third distinguishes him on the field. Capable of performing effectively as a striker, attacking midfielder, or on the right wing, Yamal offers valuable flexibility to his team's lineup. Furthermore, his passing accuracy is exemplary, currently standing at an impressive 87.5%, highlighting his precision and effectiveness in distributing the ball during gameplay. He once said, his best attribute on the pitch is 'decision-making.'
7. He was Given the First Golden Boy The Youngest Trophy
On December 4, 2023, Yamal was honoured with the prestigious inaugural Golden Boy The Youngest trophy, a testament to his astounding talent and exceptional contributions to football at such a tender age. Before this accolade, Yamal had already etched his name in football history by breaking various records.
Adding to his triumphs, he made his first El Clásico appearance in late October 2023, becoming the youngest player to feature for The Blaugrana in an El Clásico since Ansu Fati. This appearance showcased his playmaking abilities on the grand stage and saw him break Vicenç Martínez's La Liga record set in 1941, including René Petit's prevalent landmark feat set in 1916. By the way, Lionel Messi is his idol, and he is inspired by Messi's playing style and dedication to the sport.
8. He Represents Spain on the International Front
Lamine Yamal represents Spain internationally, having progressed from the youth ranks to the senior squad. He scored four goals for the Spanish U17 side at the 2023 European U17 Championship. At age 16, he scored on his debut for the national team against Georgia in September 2023, becoming the youngest player to feature and score for La Roja, breaking Gavi's record.
Yamal also became the youngest goalscorer in a Euro qualifying match, surpassing Gareth Bale. His contributions helped Spain secure qualification for Euro 2024, highlighting his significance on the international front. Additionally, on 15 June 2024, Yamal became the youngest player in history to play in a Euro competition match as Luis de la Fuente's side beat Croatia 3-0 in their Euro 2024 opener.
9. He Has A €1 billion (£866m/$1bn) Release Clause
On October 2, 2023, Lamine Yamal extended his contract with Barcelona until 2026, securing his future with the Catalan club. As part of this new agreement, Barcelona set a staggering €1 billion (£866m/$1bn) release clause.
This substantial clause reflects Yamal's potential and serves as a statement of the club's commitment to retaining their promising star. Barca, determined not to lose another key player like they did when PSG came calling for Neymar, who eventually moved to the Parc des Princes, have taken significant measures to ensure Yamal remains an integral part of their future.
Bonus: He Has A Unique 304 Goal Celebration
Yamal’s unique "304" celebration might seem like an arbitrary number to some fans, but it holds special significance. It represents the last three digits of the postal code of his locality. Born in Esplugas de Llobregat and spent his childhood in Rocafonda, Mataró (08304), Yamal uses the "304" to pay homage to his roots. The number "304" is also emblazoned on his boots, symbolising his profound admiration and love for the community that moulded him into the player he currently is.
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