Lamine Yamal, the teenage football sensation who has taken the world by storm, recently opened up about his early days playing football and his rapid rise to stardom with Barcelona.
At just 17 years old, Yamal has already secured a spot as a regular starter for Barcelona and has won the European Championship with Spain, making him one of the most talked-about young players in the sport.
In an upcoming interview with L’Equipe, Yamal shared some anecdotes from his childhood that helped shape his football journey.
Reflecting on his passion for the game from a young age, he recalled, “I always went everywhere with my ball. I used to carry it in a bag to school. In class, I used to hide it because the teacher wouldn’t let me have it.”
One of the most surprising revelations from Yamal was how he used to play football against dogs, which he described as one of his most challenging experiences.
“I played against dogs, I always ran with them, and playing against a dog is the hardest thing to do,” he said.
This unconventional training helped him build confidence and fearlessness on the pitch.
“Playing in the street, one-on-one, took away my fear of playing in front of older people. They were 20 years old, and I was 11,” Yamal added.
As Yamal continues to make headlines, many have drawn comparisons between him and football legend Lionel Messi. However, the young star is determined to carve out his own path.
“I’m a guy who doesn’t like to relax and go all out. I like it to be more difficult. I prefer not to play than to play everything. I prefer to have a legacy, your career,” Yamal explained.
While he acknowledges the comparisons to Messi, he remains focused on his unique journey.
“It’s best not to look, but it doesn’t bother me. If you’re compared to the best player in history, you’re doing something right,” he said.
Yamal also reflected on his transition to the Barcelona first team, which was a mix of excitement and nerves.
“When I arrived, I had that one-on-one but I didn’t have control. Playing as a team, faster or slower, I learned that at Barcelona. It is the club that treats its players best,” he said.
He admitted feeling nervous when he first stepped into the first team dressing room but gradually gained confidence.
“I was embarrassed the first day I walked into the first team dressing room. I was very nervous. Little by little, I lost my embarrassment, and when I made my debut, I wasn’t nervous,” Yamal shared.