Lamine Yamal already carrying Barcelona on his shoulders – Ex-La Masia coach Font

Former Barcelona youth coach Jordi Font has hailed teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal for his maturity and impact, saying the 18-year-old is already carrying the team with a level of influence well beyond his age.

Yamal, who is of Equatoguinean and Moroccan descent, has risen rapidly through the ranks at Barcelona and is widely regarded as one of the most promising talents to emerge from La Masia in recent years.

His performances for both club and country have drawn admiration from several figures within Spanish football.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Font expressed awe at Yamal’s talent and mentality: “On the pitch, he’s also demonstrating the ability to be decisive, to carry the team on his shoulders.

“He’s more than ready. He has supernatural talent and must maintain this level.”

Font, who worked closely with Yamal during his formative years, stressed that while the youngster’s development is impressive, his growth is still ongoing.

“He looks very good, he still has a long way to go. He shows great maturity when he makes certain statements.”

Yamal’s breakthrough has been both swift and commanding, with Font explaining that the teenager has adapted to the pressures that come with early stardom.

“At this stage of adolescence, they’re unaware of what they’re experiencing… they’ve been used to it for years.”

The ex-academy coach emphasized the importance of continued support and structure to sustain Yamal’s development.

“They need a context that supports, encourages, and values them. In the case of Lamine, with his super historic records.”

As Yamal continues to deliver, expectations are high. But for Font, his blend of technical brilliance and tactical intelligence reflects the La Masia identity: “The players we train at La Masia are intelligent players who know the game very well.”