#19 | Lamine Yamal - “Tendré muchos Balones de Oro” - con José Ramón de la Morena

Lamine Yamal: Rise, Early Memories, and Breakthrough at Barcelona

Lamine Yamal reflects on his rapid rise in football and the memories that shaped him in a wide-ranging interview with José Ramón de la Morena. He describes how quickly his life changed after becoming a standout youth prospect—shifting his daily freedom and routines once he was recognized publicly and began traveling for tournaments and training.

Early Tournament Memories

Yamal revisits a key tournament with Villarreal from roughly five years earlier, including:

• His first televised goal against Huesca
• The emotional mix of excitement and “innocence,” alongside nerves

He also recalls winning a trip to New York, including moments around the Hasson River / Brooklyn Bridge area, and how seeing major clubs and iconic cities for the first time fueled his inspiration.

Later on, he remembers meeting Vicente del Bosque during a tournament in Abu Dhabi, describing how these experiences helped accelerate his journey.

Breakthrough at FC Barcelona

Yamal explains how his breakthrough arrived at age 15, when Xavi called him up after he had been training with the first team.

First Call-Up and Initial Challenges

He describes arriving for the youth locker room feeling down because he hadn’t played the day before. After his group’s situation was reviewed, he was promoted to train with the first team.

First Impact: A Goal and an Assist

In a match where Barcelona won 2–0, Yamal says he:

• Scored
• Provided an assist

Number 41 Debut and a Lasting Moment

He later speaks about staying focused despite contract uncertainty. His debut came against Betis, wearing number 41, at a time when Barcelona were already winning 3–0—and when Betis received a red card.

Yamal emphasizes the emotional impact of that day, including:

• Keeping the match shirt afterward
• Returning to La Masia the same night to sleep, because training was next the following day

He also notes the adjustment from playing in front of 100,000+ spectators back to youth life at La Masia.

Family Background and Life Outside Football

Beyond football, Yamal shares details about his upbringing and family stability, including:

• His mother’s role and her influence on his studies
• His move into a home life shaped by family support
• Stories about his parents arriving from Morocco to Spain

A Traumatic Incident at Age 16–17

He recounts a painful moment when his father was stabbed while Yamal was around 16–17. He describes how he:

• Tried to reach Mataró immediately
• Was prevented from leaving the house
• Went to training the next day
• Later visited his father in the hospital once things had calmed down

Ambitions, Racism, and Media Pressure

As he matures, Yamal discusses his ambitions, saying he dreams not just of one Ballon d’Or, but “many.” He also reflects on:

• How he deals with racism
• The intensity of media scrutiny
• The idea that attention and success can come with constant surveillance

Birthday Criticism and Rumors

He addresses criticism connected to his birthday, saying it amused him more than it angered him, especially since contradictory rumors circulated.

Gesture Tied to His Number 10 Shirt

Near the end, Yamal highlights a gesture connected to his number 10 shirt: he donated “100 balls” to grassroots football in Rocafonda, a place tied to his childhood.

Presenters / Sources (mentioned)

• José Ramón de la Morena
• Quintilian (referenced)
• Vicente del Bosque (mentioned)
• Xavi (mentioned)
• Paulo/Carlos Díez (mentioned as MVP from the Villarreal tournament)
• Ansu (mentioned)
• Dembélé (mentioned)
• Messi and Suárez (mentioned, including their sons)
• Ivan de la Peña (mentioned)
• Roma / “The nuns” (mentioned in subtitle context)
• Teams referenced: Betis, Sevilla, Huesca, Atlético