Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana, born 13 July 2007, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a right winger or right midfielder for Barcelona and the Spain national team. He is regarded as one of the best players in the world.
โฝ Early Life and Background
Yamal was born in Esplugues de Llobregat in the Barcelona metropolitan area in Catalonia. He is of Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean descent; his father is from Larache, Morocco, and his mother is from Bata, Equatorial Guinea.
He was given a compound name to honour two people who helped his family financially shortly before their son was born. Growing up in Matarรณ, in Rocafonda, he started playing football at local club La Torreta at age four.
๐ Youth Academy and Early Career
At six years old, Yamal was scouted by Barcelona and invited to training sessions at La Masia, signing for the club in 2014. Growing up, his footballing idols were Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, and Neymar.
He was soon viewed as one of the academy’s best prospects and was selected by Xavi to train with the first team in early September 2022. Yamal made his first-team debut on 29 April 2023, becoming the fifth youngest player in La Liga’s history.
๐ Barcelona First Team Records
Yamal extended his contract with Barcelona until 2026 with a โฌ1 billion buyout clause on 2 October 2023. He scored his first goal for the first team on 8 October in a 2-2 draw to Granada.
At 16 years of age, he broke several records for Barcelona, becoming the youngest starter, youngest to record an assist, and youngest to score for Barcelona in La Liga. He also became the youngest player to score a brace in La Liga.
๐ช๐ธ International Career
Yamal made his senior debut for Spain on 8 September 2023, scoring in a 7-1 victory against Georgia. At 16 years and 57 days old, he became the youngest player and goalscorer for Spain.
He was selected for UEFA Euro 2024, playing an important role in helping Spain win their fourth title while winning the tournament’s Young Player Award. He holds multiple records including youngest player to appear in a UEFA European Championship final.
| Record | Competition | Age | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youngest La Liga debutant for Barcelona | La Liga | 15 years, 9 months, 16 days | 29 April 2023 |
| Youngest goalscorer in Supercopa de Espaรฑa | Supercopa de Espaรฑa | 16 years, 182 days | 11 January 2024 |
| Youngest goalscorer in El Clรกsico history | La Liga | 17 years, 105 days | 26 October 2024 |
| Youngest player in a European Championship final | UEFA Euro | 17 years | 2024 |