17 July 2025
Rising Spanish star Lamine Yamal commented on his contract renewal with La Liga champions FC Barcelona, and being granted the legendary number 10 shirt at the club.
The contract renewal ceremony for Lamine Yamal, which runs until 2031, officially took place on Wednesday. He also received the number 10 shirt, a shirt worn by many Barcelona legends, such as the late Diego Maradona, his Argentine compatriot Lionel Messi, and Brazilian star Ronaldinho.
Following this historic event, Lamine, 18, said in a press conference: "This has been a dream of mine since I was a child. I feel very happy. My family and I are very happy."
Regarding his goals with Barcelona, he said, according to Marca: "Winning, always winning, having fun, and continuing to grow because I'm still very young, but most importantly, continuing to win."
He continued: "Barcelona is the club of my life. I've been here since I was seven years old. Every kid at La Masia dreams of making it to the first team. I've achieved that dream, and I have to keep working."
Lamine addressed Barcelona fans, saying: "I'm very much looking forward to playing in front of you at the new Camp Nou. We're going to have a great time this year, and we're sure to win."
Regarding his acquisition of the number 10 shirt, he said: "My first dream was to start my career with Barcelona and wear the number 10 shirt. That's the dream of everyone who grew up here."
He added: "I'm grateful to the club, and I hope I've left a mark worthy of its stature. Messi paved his way, and now I'll pave my way."
He continued: "Now it's going to move from Ansu to Lamine. I'll do my best to make all the team's fans happy."
Regarding his feelings after receiving the number 10 shirt, previously worn by Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Maradona, he said: "They are three legends of football and the club. Every kid dreams of owning something from them. I will keep everything from Messi, Ronaldinho, and Maradona, and I will try to continue that legacy."
He continued: "This renewal means I will continue playing for the club of my life, enjoying my time. I don't feel any pressure. We are all happy. It's time for me to enjoy my time with a different number, but with the same goal."
He added: "It's a big step, the beginning of a journey that I hope will be long and full of victories. I hope to enjoy it even more than last year."
Regarding his exposure to criticism, he said: "Criticism is like praise. If it doesn't come from people who are very close to me, it doesn't concern me."
He explained: "I can't be at the top because of praise and at the bottom because of criticism. Now it's time to enjoy myself. I am focused on football and enjoying it."
Regarding his challenges for the upcoming season, he said: "I haven't won the Champions League or the World Cup. I'm looking forward to winning the title we've been missing, the Champions League, and continuing to grow, and most importantly, having fun. When we have fun, everyone is happier, and we have more fun."
Regarding his conversation with his coach, Hansi Flick, after his renewal, he said with a laugh: "He told me to go to bed early because we have two training sessions tomorrow. He congratulated me, and I'm grateful to him."
Regarding his feelings towards his grandmother, who was with him during the signing, he said: "The event was postponed because of her. She was in Morocco, and without her, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish something so special. I have to thank her for everything she's done for me."
