From La Masia to Spain's main pillar, Yamal carries World Cup hopes at 18

At just 18 years old, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal is poised to carry Spain's hopes into the 2026 World Cup. The young star, who rose through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, sees the global tournament as a lifelong dream. He acknowledges the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with early success, particularly the doubts about his age and potential longevity.

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Since childhood, the World Cup has been the tournament everyone watches. Even if someone doesn't follow football, when their country plays, everyone goes out into the streets and watches together. That's the beauty of football, and I get goosebumps thinking I'll be a part of it.

Yamal, however, thrives on this skepticism. "I prefer to prove those who doubt me wrong," he stated. "When you emerge at a young age, people will say you're too young, only good for one season, or overhyped. I want to prove my ability in every match." He finds motivation in silencing critics and demonstrating his consistent performance.

Despite the immense pressure, Yamal approaches his career with a sense of enjoyment. He likens the feeling of playing to being a superhero, where everything feels perfect and he is filled with adrenaline. The presence of his parents in the stands, witnessing his success, helps alleviate any nervousness. "When I see my parents in the stands and know they are proud of me, the pressure disappears," he said.

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I prefer to prove those who doubt me wrong. When you emerge at a young age, people will say you're too young, only good for one season, or overhyped. I want to prove my ability in every match.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, Yamal remains grounded despite Spain being considered among the favorites after recent successes in Euro 2024 and the UEFA Nations League. "Being the favorite doesn't give you an advantage. It doesn't help you score more goals," he noted. He emphasizes the need to take each game as it comes, recognizing the high level of competition from teams like Argentina, France, Portugal, and England. Yamal believes Spain plays the best football but is focused on the team's performance.

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I might feel nervous if I were doing something I didn't know. But football is what I've done my whole life. When I see my parents in the stands and know they are proud of me, the pressure disappears.

At Barcelona, Yamal's role has expanded, making him a key figure in the team's attack. While comparisons to legends like Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, and Mbappé are inevitable, Yamal is determined to forge his own path. "My goal is not to be compared to them. I want my name to be mentioned alongside theirs," he asserted. "I want to create my own identity."

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Being the favorite doesn't give you an advantage. It doesn't help you score more goals. We have to go through every game one by one.