The 16-year-old shone against Tottenham in the 2023 Joan Gamper Tournament.
Lamin Yamal. That name is already on many lips and will be remembered. On Saturday, April 22, 2023, he was called up by Xavi Hernandez for FC Barcelona’s squad to face Atletico Madrid, a day before the league match that would be discussed in the Camp Nou on Sunday the 23rd. On April 29, he made his debut in the matchday 32 game against Real Betis. What’s new? He was born in Mataró and is 15, turning 16 on July 13. Thus, Yamal became the youngest player to debut for FC Barcelona.
Who is Lamine Yamal, how old is he, and how does the FC Barcelona teenager play?
At the pre-game press conference against Atlético, shortly after Barça announced the call-up for that match, Xavi was asked about the young talent who had just made the list. The Barça coach hinted at a player with extraordinary potential: a left-footed attacker around 1.80 meters tall who has Barcelona fans excited with what he can show on the field.
“Anyone who is there can participate. He has a lot of talent even at 15 years old. He has personality, talent, and one-on-one ability. He is strong. He can shape an important stage for the club. He is happy, grateful and excited to be on the list. If the moment comes to participate, I am sure he can help us,” said the Barcelona coach.
Xavi, about Lamine Yamal: “He is different. He is an innate talent and the young players are not afraid. He has trained brilliantly.”
Yamal has moved from relative obscurity to frequent media appearances and participation in several first-team training sessions in a matter of months. He also drew headlines for his conduct during a concentration with the Spanish U17 team in early 2023. The newspaper reported that the Spanish federation canceled him from the elite round of Julen Guerrero’s squad for a serious act of indiscipline. The Spain U17 team played a tournament in the Algarve in February where Yamal shone, even scoring the goal that crowned the team champions, becoming the tournament’s top scorer with three goals. Yet his performance was overshadowed by incidents during the concentration that were analyzed by both the federation and FC Barcelona.
Yamal is regarded as a major promise from FC Barcelona’s youth academy, and the club is determined to keep him focused. Beyond the controversy, he continued to impress in training and matches and drew attention for switching his representation to Ivan de la Penya, who also represents players like Gavi and Eric García, following the exit of the previous agent. Despite some pushback at Can Barça, the forward has maintained a high level on the pitch and remains one of the standout talents in Juvenil A.
Yamal turned 16 in July, a significant milestone because it opened the possibility of a first professional contract, though nothing had been signed yet. The negotiations appear complicated, with offers that go beyond the usual terms offered to La Masia players. Ahead of the match with Atlético, Xavi stressed the focus on the present: “He trained with us this week and we liked what we saw. That’s why he’s on the list, regardless of his contract status.” Continuity remains a priority for the club’s academy pipeline.
Last season he played for Barça’s Juvenil A side under Oscar Lopez and, in a showcase against players three years older, his talents did not go unnoticed. Social media amplified his profile, turning him into a trending figure. What is often labeled as a “gamer” describes his style: a player who uses his technique decisively without overcomplicating actions. He can convert dribbles into goals and assists, reinforcing his status as a future leader for the team.
Yamal showcases an extensive dribbling repertoire and often looks unstoppable in one-on-one duels. This combination of skill and courage has made Barça view him as a long-term bet for the future. The progression from youth teams to first-team training, and even appearances in the UEFA Youth League, shows a rapid ascent that has many betting on a bright horizon for the player. His natural pace and evolving physical presence suggest a versatile attacker capable of adapting to different roles on the pitch.
While he frequently operates on the right wing to unleash his powerful shot, Yamal’s growth hints at broader possibilities across the front line someday. Many factors will shape his trajectory, but the early signs point to a player with genuine potential. In the hands of his environment and his coaches, what is now an exciting project could mature into something truly impactful. For now, he remains on the right track.
Dazzle against Tottenham: from 1-2 to 4-2
His first major appearance came against Tottenham in the 2023 Joan Gamper Trophy. While Tottenham led 1-2, Yamal contributed to three goals in about 15 minutes, helping Barça turn the match around and win 4-2, a performance that drew widespread attention and set the tone for his early-season impact.
Source: Goal