In just a few days, Lamine Yamal will turn 18. For a player of his impact and stature to be so young is rare, and the eyes of the soccer world are firmly fixed on him. One of his Barcelona teammates recently shared a striking reflection on the winger’s career.
“I believe everyone has their own path, and as of today, I don’t see anything in Lamine Yamal that would raise a red flag,” Wojciech Szczesny said during a recent interview with FootTruck. “I believe his approach to soccer, to life, makes him the player he is.”
The Polish goalkeeper went on to share what he believes Yamal needs at this stage of his life. “The boy is still 17 and has the right, and perhaps even the obligation, to make youthful mistakes,” Wojciech explained. “Let’s hope that if he does, it won’t be without major consequences. His surroundings will certainly be important to him.”
Yamal’s performances have put him at the center of attention. He has firmly established himself as Barcelona’s brightest star, leading the club to titles in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup — while also helping them reach the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.
Wojciech Szczesny of FC Barcelona
Yamal’s rapid rise to global fame over the past few months is nearly unmatched. At his age, he has accomplished things that even Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo had not achieved so young. Still, that level of stardom often makes people forget that he’s just a teenager with plenty left to learn.
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The Yamal-Neymar comparison
It’s not just his talent on the pitch that has led to comparisons between Yamal and Neymar. The Brazilian forward’s well-known love of partying and nightlife has often been cited as a concern when discussing Yamal. However, Szczesny doesn’t see it as a problem.
“It’s a bit like you can’t change a person’s temperament,” the goalkeeper said. “Someone today might say, for example, that Neymar could have achieved much more in soccer if he had a different attitude. If Neymar had a different attitude to soccer, to life, he wouldn’t be the Neymar who puts on such a show.”
The Barcelona player added: “I believe that such personalities shouldn’t be put under too much pressure, but rather be attentive and let them enjoy their soccer. Their joy is contagious not only to their teammates but also to millions of people around the world who are about to fall in love with soccer. I think this is more the role of Yamal’s entourage than of him himself.”
How much is Lamine Yamal worth?
According to the specialist website Transfermarkt, Lamine Yamal is currently the most valuable soccer player in the world, with a market value of €200 million (roughly $233 million). That puts him ahead of other global stars such as Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland ($210 million).
Barcelona clearly share that high valuation. Following the 2024–25 season, the club renewed Yamal’s contract through June 30, 2031. His current salary stands at $17 million per year, with the potential to rise to $23 million based on performance incentives. His release clause is set at $1.16 billion.
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