Spanish-Moroccan winger Lamine Yamal warned to guard against distractions off the pitch

Veteran Spanish coach Joaquín Caparrós has urged Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal to stay focused and protect himself from the growing distractions that come with early fame.

The 18-year-old winger, widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young footballers, has already become a central figure for both club and country — but Caparrós fears the attention surrounding him could become a burden.

Born in Spain to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, Yamal’s rapid rise has made him a household name in world football.

Yet with his success has come heightened scrutiny and the influence of those seeking to benefit from his stardom. Caparrós, who has managed clubs such as Sevilla, Athletic Bilbao, and Deportivo La Coruña, cautioned that the teenager’s environment will play a decisive role in shaping his long-term career.

“He has tremendous talent, but you have to be very careful with your surroundings,” Caparrós told Radio Marca.

“Too many press conferences, too much exposure. Star players don’t just come from one season to the next; they stay for fifteen or twenty years.”

The experienced tactician emphasised that consistency and discipline — not just ability — determine a player’s legacy.

He suggested that the people surrounding Yamal could either help him maintain focus or risk leading him astray at a pivotal stage in his development.

“He has to be careful with his surroundings and what he does,” Caparrós added.

Yamal’s remarkable composure and flair have drawn widespread praise since breaking into Barcelona’s first team at just 15. H

owever, Caparrós’s warning echoes concerns shared by several figures in Spanish football, who believe the club must carefully manage both his career and his off-field commitments.