At just 18, Yamal has captured the attention of the football world. He shone in the 2024-2025 season, scoring 19 goals and providing 25 assists in 55 matches, contributing to Barca's domestic treble. He convincingly won the Ballon d'Or's Best Young Player award and the Golden Boy award. He also earned the title of La Liga's "Assist King" with 13 assists and led the league in successful dribbles (161), more than double the second-placed Dodi Lukebakio.
After his explosive season, Yamal traveled to Brazil to meet and party with his idol, Neymar. He then enjoyed surfing with his significantly older girlfriend and relaxed with friends on a yacht in Ibiza.
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Yamal (right) and Neymar during their summer 2025 holiday in Brazil. Photo: IG/LamineYamal |
Yamal (right) and Neymar during their summer 2025 holiday in Brazil. Photo: IG/LamineYamal
The Barca star's 18th birthday party also attracted many Spanish celebrities, including Bizarrap, Chimbala, and Nicki Nicole, with some controversy surrounding a person of short stature. Just days later, he had to rejoin Barca for training, leading many to question Yamal's ability to recover.
Responding to concerns about excessive partying, Yamal said at the time, "I work and dedicate myself to Barca. When I leave the team's headquarters, I enjoy life. That's all".
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Yamal (wearing a green hat) on a yacht with friends during his holiday in Ibiza. Photo: Mundo Deportivo |
Yamal (wearing a green hat) on a yacht with friends during his holiday in Ibiza. Photo: Mundo Deportivo
That confidence translated onto the field. Wearing the new number 10 jersey, previously worn by Lionel Messi, Yamal started all 4 summer friendlies against Vissel Kobe, FC Seoul, Daegu FC, and Como. He consistently dominated the right wing, scoring a team-high 4 goals. Players like Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Fermin Lopez trailed behind with only two goals each.
"Yamal is playing at the level of a genius," Barca President Joan Laporta said after the match against Como. "He demonstrates it in every game. Yamal does something that only Ballon d'Or winners have done, which is to showcase his talent from training sessions to matches".
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Yamal celebrates a goal during Barca's victory over Como in the Joan Gamper friendly match at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, on the evening of 10/8/2025. Photo: FCB |
Yamal celebrates a goal during Barca's victory over Como in the Joan Gamper friendly match at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, on the evening of 10/8/2025. Photo: FCB
Coach Hansi Flick also sees Yamal as a key player in his ambition to conquer all competitions next season, from La Liga to the Champions League. The 18-year-old star's shots have become more effective. Fans eagerly await Yamal's progress in the 2025-2026 season.
For cules (Barca fans), Yamal is no longer just a "rough diamond" from La Masia. He has become a new icon at Camp Nou, following in Messi's footsteps. Compared to Messi, Yamal has his own way of enjoying his time off. But if he continues to shine on the pitch, few can doubt the Spanish star's talent.
Hoang An (Marca)
