Lamine Yamal talks Euro 2024 triumph, relationship with Flick, UCL ambitions | OneFootball

Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal continues to impress week after week, showing no signs of slowing down. Even though he is going through a goal drought in La Liga, it pales in significance when compared to his overall contributions for the team.

At just 17 years old, the La Masia talent is already regarded as one of the best players in the world. Despite his young age, he has already won the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona and the European Championship with Spain.

The youngster has also bagged the Kopa Trophy, the Golden Boy award, and has been nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year prize.

In a recent interview with UEFA.com, Lamine reflected on his early years in professional football and how he has matured at the elite level.

Origins and growth

Yamal remains closely connected to his neighbourhood, Rocafonda, which continues to shape his daily life. The youngster revealed that he pays tribute to it by making the ‘304’ hand gesture, representing the area’s postcode, whenever he scores.

“It has the same meaning. It represents my neighbourhood and our culture. In Rocafonda, people from many different backgrounds live together, but in the end, we are like brothers; we are all from the same family,” he said.

“I still have the same feeling. When I go back, I feel at peace, nobody bothers me, and it is my place to rest. It is where I can relax and recharge.”

At 17, the Barcelona winger has not only changed physically since making his debut but has also matured significantly, gaining confidence and daring to try more on the pitch.

“It has changed a lot. Now, I have more confidence and do things I would not have done before. I used to play it safe and do what was expected at each moment,” noted Lamine.

“Now, I try to enjoy myself more, take inspiration from within, and play with freedom. I think I play with more confidence now.”

The La Masia graduate insisted that he does not focus on statistics and that his main objective is to entertain fans, as that is what he enjoys when watching football himself.

“I believe the key is to focus on yourself and always do what is best for the team. I am not a player who pays much attention to stats, I play to enjoy myself, to make the fans happy, and, of course, to win,” said Lamine.

“I do not compare my numbers with others. When I watch a football match, I want to see exciting plays, dribbles… That is what I try to bring when people come to watch us play – to make it fun. In the end, if I enjoy myself, the fans will too.”

Lamine happy with Flick. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

The young star also spoke about Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who has played a crucial role in his development this season, saying:

“He is a very kind person, someone you can talk to. He always asks how you are feeling and teaches you a lot. I have learned so much from him. That is why he is respected both as a coach and as a person.

“He is strict but understands what each player needs at any given moment. When it comes to defensive concepts, he asks for specific things, but offensively, he does not say much, just to go out and enjoy myself. That is the kind of confidence he gives us.”

A life-changing EURO win

Yamal’s popularity soared after his outstanding performances in the European Championship last summer, a tournament that changed his life.

“It changed me and also changed how my opponents see me. Before, I was just a kid, but since winning the EURO, everything feels different. I no longer feel like a child, I play with more confidence,” he remarked.

“Winning a title makes every player take a step forward, and you can feel it. I still remember my goal against France. When I saw the ball hit the post and go in, I knew it was a goal. I remember celebrating and seeing my mother crying in the stands.”

Since winning that title, his life has transformed, and fame now prevents him from doing many everyday things, as he said:

“It is different. Everywhere I go, every person I pass… I know they recognise me. I used to be able to travel normally, but now moving through an airport is really difficult. It is something to be proud of, but at the same time, it is hard because I no longer have a normal life.

“I cannot just go for a walk with my brother or have a coffee with my mother. Fame brings good things, but it also has its downsides.”

Despite wanting to win every possible title, Yamal admitted that two tournaments hold a special place for him.

“There are two competitions where scoring a goal makes you feel happier than in any other – the Champions League and the World Cup. They are the two biggest tournaments in football,” said Yamal.

“When the Champions League anthem plays, everyone gets goosebumps. I scored against Monaco and Atalanta, and I had never felt anything like it—except for my goal against France in the EURO,” he concluded.