Lamine Yamal has found a unique way to fuel his performances: by turning negativity into power on the pitch.
Instead of avoiding criticism, the young Barcelona star welcomes it. In fact, he thrives on it. Before big matches, Yamal’s friends flood his phone with harsh comments and critical takes. Not to bring him down, but to light him up.
“They send them to me because they know it motivates me,” Yamal told Cope.
That fire burned brightly before Spain’s match against France at the Euros. Yamal was woken from a pre-match nap by a friend reminding him of Adrien Rabiot’s dismissive words. “Remember what Rabiot said about you,” the friend urged.
Though Yamal didn’t score right away, the moment stuck. A glance toward the stands reignited his focus. “Then I got really excited and started running around…” he recalled.
The 17-year-old is no stranger to big moments under pressure. He’s already silenced jeers at the Bernabeu with a brilliant goal against Real Madrid.
