By Martin Graham
Lamine Yamal has extended his stay at FC Barcelona after a remarkable season that saw the club lift three major trophies. The young forward agreed to a new contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2031.
The contract was signed on Tuesday, shortly after renewals were confirmed for teammate Raphinha and head coach Hansi Flick. All three were key figures in a memorable campaign where Barcelona secured the La Liga title, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey.
Still only 17, Yamal has already achieved what many players never do in their entire careers. He has appeared in 106 matches for Barcelona, more than any player his age in the club’s history. His breakthrough came at 15 when he made his first appearance on April 29, 2023.
The forward has scored 25 goals and provided 34 assists since making his debut. He holds the distinction of being the youngest ever scorer in La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey. Yamal is also the youngest to reach 100 matches for the Catalan club.
His contributions helped Barcelona surpass the 100-goal mark in the league this season, making this side the third most prolific scoring team in the club’s history.
Yamal’s rise hasn’t been limited to club football. He played a prominent role for Spain during their successful UEFA Euros run last year, earning international acclaim for his performances on the big stage.
His impact has not gone unnoticed, with former England captain David Beckham describing him as the closest player he’s seen to Lionel Messi. Yamal’s trophy cabinet already includes both the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy, two of the highest individual honors for young players.
With the 2025 Ballon d’Or on the horizon, Yamal is considered among the leading candidates. He faces strong competition from the likes of Raphinha, Mohamed Salah, and Ousmane Dembélé, but his record this season gives him a legitimate chance. Whether or not he claims the award, his future at Barcelona looks incredibly promising.
