Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal is poised to play a pivotal role in the upcoming Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Born to a Moroccan father and Equatorial Guinean mother, the 17-year-old forward has rapidly ascended through the ranks at Barcelona, drawing comparisons to club legends.
Reflecting on his journey, Yamal shared his sentiments in a recent interview with ESPN, stating, “It’s incredible. When I was a kid, I wore Neymar’s shirts, Messi’s jerseys, all these players, so seeing kids wearing my shirt means that I’m their inspiration, at least in football.”
He further expressed his amazement at the swift turn of events, noting, “It’s something I never thought would happen so fast: (seeing) those 13-year-old kids in the shirt of a kid who’s only four years older than them.”
Yamal also highlighted the emotional impact of his rising fame, saying, “It is amazing. My mum always tells me to think about (the significance); that it doesn’t happen to just anyone, going somewhere and seeing a kid wearing your shirt. It is something that makes me very happy and is one of the things I like the most.”
The final, set to take place at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, presents an opportunity for Yamal to further cement his status as one of football’s most promising talents.
