Barcelona's rising star Lamine Yamal signs record-breaking contract
- Rob Fleming
- 2 October 2023
Barcelona have secured the future of their prodigious talent, Lamine Yamal, as the young forward pens a new contract that will keep him at the Catalan club until 2026.
Yamal, whose meteoric rise has captured the attention of football enthusiasts across Europe, has solidified his place in Xavi Hernandez's first-team line-up at the tender age of 16.
The remarkable journey of this young phenom reached its pinnacle towards the close of the 2022/23 season when Yamal etched his name in history as Barcelona's youngest-ever player to feature in competitive competition. At just 15 years, nine months, and 16 days old, he made his La Liga debut.
However, Yamal's historic feats didn't stop there. In a recent Euro 2024 qualifying match against Georgia, he emerged as Spain's youngest senior debutant and scorer. Coming off the bench, he found the net, proving that his talent knows no bounds.
Throughout the current La Liga season, Yamal has continued to shine, showcasing his immense promise in the Barca colours. With two assists in eight La Liga appearances, he has become one of the club's standout prospects.
On Monday, Barcelona made a resounding statement of intent by announcing Yamal's contract extension, accompanied by a staggering €1 billion release clause.
The club issued a statement, declaring, "FC Barcelona and Lamine Yamal have reached an agreement on a new contract binding the player to the club until 30 June 2026, with the buyout clause set at one billion euros."
The official signing ceremony took place at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, attended by key figures in the club's hierarchy, including FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, first vice-president Rafa Yuste, the director responsible for youth football, Joan Soler, and the director of sport, Anderson Luis de Souza 'Deco.'
This historic deal ensures that Yamal's bright future remains firmly intertwined with Barcelona, the club that has been his home since the tender age of seven when he joined from CF La Torreta.
Due to Yamal's age, the contract extension will run for an additional three years, safeguarding Barcelona's investment in their budding superstar.
