Barcelona president Joan Laporta calls Lamine Yamal a ‘genius’

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has described Lamine Yamal as an “exceptional” footballer whose talent and maturity are well beyond his years.

Laporta is currently in the United States to attend the third Johan Cruyff Memorial event, which is taking place in New York over the weekend.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Laporta said Yamal deserved the opportunity to establish his own identity and create a legacy at Barcelona.

“Lamine deserves the chance to write his own story and build his legacy,” he said. “He is a genius and an exceptional footballer, with wonderful technical ability, creativity and an extraordinary capacity to dribble past opponents.”

Laporta added that the teenager’s understanding of the game was another quality that set him apart.

“What makes him even more special is his maturity and his understanding of the game despite his young age,” he said.

Yamal came through Barcelona’s La Masia academy, something Laporta said was a source of great pride for the club.

“We feel enormous pride that a player with Lamine’s ability has come through La Masia and represents the values, identity and football philosophy of Barcelona,” he said.

Laporta also stressed the club’s responsibility to support Yamal as he continues his development.

“Our responsibility is to protect Lamine, support his development and provide the right sporting environment around him so he can fulfil his huge potential,” he said.

“As the club’s president, I feel very proud of Lamine, both as a footballer and as a person.”

The Barcelona president also reflected on the lasting influence of Johan Cruyff, whose ideas helped shape the club’s identity.

“Cruyff taught us that you can win by doing things the right way, striving for excellence and choosing to be the best rather than simply being the first,” said Laporta.

“He changed the way Barcelona understood football and gave the club a clear identity based on possession, attacking football, intelligence, initiative and control of matches.”