Lamine Yamal is stepping into the spotlight at Barcelona, embracing the pressure that comes with joining a club steeped in history and কিংবদন্তি. The young player, who Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has called "touched by the wand of God," has been handed the No. 10 shirt, previously worn by легенды like Ladislao Kubala, Luis Suárez, Diego Maradona, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Lionel Messi.
Yamal's willingness to embrace the challenge was evident during Barcelona's opening game of the 2025-26 season against Real Mallorca. After scoring his first goal as an adult, a goal reminiscent of Messi's signature style, Yamal celebrated by lowering an invisible crown to his head, signaling his intent for the season and beyond.
Sid Lowe, a Spanish football expert, has drawn parallels between Yamal's rise and that of Lionel Messi. Lowe notes that Yamal, like Messi, has emerged from La Masia, Barcelona's renowned youth academy, which has a history of producing exceptional talent. He also expressed hope that Yamal would play without fear and be willing to take on defenders, believing that he has the potential to be a unique player.
Yamal's fearless attitude was on full display during Barcelona's Champions League semi-final tie. Ahead of the first leg, the 17-year-old declared that he had left fear behind him long ago. Despite Barcelona's defeat, Yamal's performances over the two nights were revelatory, earning him respect and admiration. He scored a goal and hit the woodwork twice in the first leg, and his disappointment at not winning was evident. After the defeat, he vowed to continue fighting until Barcelona is back at the summit of football.
However, Dani Olmo suggested that Barcelona's younger players may not have fully grasped the significance of the Champions League semi-final, treating it more like a party. Olmo implied that the older players would need to guide them.
Despite the pressure and expectations, Yamal appears determined to succeed at Barcelona. His talent, confidence, and willingness to embrace the challenge suggest that he has the potential to become a key player for the club.
