‘Always me’ – Frustrated Lamine Yamal caught on mic after late substitution

Lamine Yamal’s growing influence at FC Barcelona was matched by visible frustration on Sunday, as the teenage star was caught on a touchline microphone reacting angrily to his late substitution during a narrow 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano.

Barcelona secured all three points thanks to a first-half strike from Ronald Araujo, but the post-match conversation quickly shifted away from the result and towards Yamal’s emotional response after being withdrawn in the 82nd minute.

Head coach Hansi Flick opted to replace the winger with Marcus Rashford, a decision that did not sit well with the Rocafonda-born talent.

“Always me,” DAZN’s touchline microphone picked up Yamal saying as he made his way off the pitch. “Always me… oh my god, it’s crazy,” he repeated, clearly agitated as he took his seat on the bench.

The reaction continued despite attempts from assistant coach Arnau Blanco to defuse the situation. Yamal, still visibly frustrated, added: “Always me, only me.”

The episode offered a rare glimpse into the mindset of one of Europe’s brightest young talents, whose rapid rise has come with increasing expectations and scrutiny.

While his performances have cemented his place as a key figure in Barcelona’s attacking setup, the substitution suggested a cautious approach from Flick, possibly managing the youngster’s workload in a tightly contested fixture.