Lamine Yamal: 'Football is mechanised but players like me have that special spark'

Spain and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal reflects on his recent successes, stating that while football can feel mechanized, players like himself possess a special spark. The 19-year-old, who won the European Championship and the World Cup, describes his experience in the World Cup final in New Jersey as free of nerves, noting that he was simply enjoying the match and wanted to keep playing. Yamal, the son of Mounir and Sheila, turned 17 the day before the Euro 2024 final and 19 the day before the World Cup semi-final, marking a rapid rise to international stardom.

Currently situated in Las Rozas, Yamal is seen in an office surrounded by tactical materials, with a Spain keyring hanging from the door and a second star on his shirt. He is described by a neighboring coach as being "touched by God’s wand," and his journey from the Mataró neighborhood to global prominence has been swift. When asked about his desires, Yamal mentioned wanting a trip to New York, a wish that coincided with him being on the verge of becoming a champion again.