Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal said it feels “incredible” to have young fans look up to him, just as he once looked up to Lionel Messi and Neymar.
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Yamal being just like his idols Messi and Neymar
At just 17, Yamal has quickly become an idol to a new generation of fans, with his shirt ranking among the best-sellers in Barca’s official store. TT
The young winger is also one of the most visible presences in the stands at the Olympic Stadium, with countless fans sporting his name.
Yamal recently reflected on his growing influence, drawing parallels to how he once looked up to Lionel Messi and Neymar.
“It’s incredible,” Yamal said as part of his Powerade Campaign which features “The 304” film in reference to his neighbourhood.
“When I was a kid, I wore Neymar’s shirts, Messi’s jerseys, all these players, so seeing kids wearing my shirt means that I’m their inspiration, at least in football.”
“It’s something I never thought would happen so fast: [seeing] those 13-year-old kids in the shirt of a kid who’s only four years older than them. It is amazing.”
“My mum always tells me to think about [the significance]; that it doesn’t happen to just anyone, going somewhere and seeing a kid wearing your shirt. It is something that makes me very happy and is one of the things I like the most.”
Parents play a huge role
Yamal’s meteoric rise began with his Barcelona debut at just 15 years old in April 2023.
Since then, he’s won the European Championship with Spain and picked up numerous individual honors.
Most recently, the Spain international was named Breakthrough of the Year at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards.
He also claimed both the prestigious Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy award in 2024.
This season, Yamal has already scored 14 goals and provided 22 assists, playing a key role in keeping Barçc alive in all three competitions.
Despite his rapid rise to the top, Yamal says he’s remained grounded in the values his parents taught him.
“My parents were my references in everything,” he said.
“Everybody always tells me that I have a bit of my mum and a bit of my dad. I think that on the pitch I have a lot of my father and off the pitch I have a lot of my mother.”
“They are two people I have grown up with and they have taught me everything. They have fought for me. The affection my father has for me is unimaginable. Thanks to him I have learned the love that one has for the family, because he is a person that gives a lot of love to people.”
“So I believe that everything I have and that I will have is thanks to them. I always say I will never be able to thank them fully, but I will try.”
