Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has been turning heads on the pitch, but the 18-year-old insists his life off it is just as important.
The Spanish-Moroccan winger has revealed a desire to enjoy the simple routines of a typical teenager, even amid the pressures of elite football.
Yamal, whose rapid rise has drawn intense scrutiny, said he prioritizes balance.
Speaking to ESPN, he explained that his days often revolve around hanging out with friends, looking after his younger brother, playing video games, and taking walks—simple activities that help him maintain perspective away from media attention.
“Football is my passion, but I try not to let it consume every moment of my life,” Yamal said.
“I make a point to enjoy time with friends and family. When I’m on the pitch, I give everything, but off it, I try to disconnect as much as possible.”
The teenager also shared what an ideal day would look like if he were anonymous, free from public attention.
“I’d start with breakfast on a terrace, then play football in a park, maybe at the Rocafonda sports center. Later, I’d ride my bike or scooters with friends,” he said. These ordinary pleasures, he insists, are vital to staying sane in a career defined by constant expectations.
Yamal’s perspective highlights the growing awareness among young talents of the importance of mental well-being and personal life.
His approach underlines that even at the highest level, maintaining connections with friends, family, and normal routines can be as crucial as technical training or tactical preparation.
