Lamine Yamal talks La Masia, Nico, Messi, Ballon d’Or, Barcelona: “I want to be a legend here “ | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal recently made his appearance on the popular Spanish television programme El Hormiguero and as the special guest, the young Barcelona star, opened up about his experiences, life at the club, and the sudden rise in fame following his success both with Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

For the 45 minutes he was on camera, Yamal shared personal anecdotes and reflections that captivated the audience, marking a memorable moment in his young career.

The show began with Yamal receiving a standing ovation from the audience, signalling the immense popularity he has garnered in such a short time.

When asked how he is managing his newfound fame, especially after winning the Euro Cup and excelling in his first season with Barcelona, the 16-year-old confessed that he is “getting used to it a bit.”

Life at La Masia and Ballon d’Or

Yamal also discussed how Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy has prepared him to handle fame from a young age. He revealed that the club provides psychological support to its young players, teaching them how to manage their personal and professional lives.

“From a young age at Barça, they already help you to direct your life so that you do not deviate in the future. They put psychologists on you. Since the Euros, I see everyone happier,” he said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

His success at the Euro Cup has made him one of the youngest players nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, but the humble teenager brushed off any serious chances of winning:

“We were in the elevator with Nico Williams, and first he got nominated, then I did. They congratulated us in the dressing room, but I don’t think I have a chance of winning the Ballon d’Or.”

Thoughts on Nico Williams and Messi

One of the standout moments of his time at the Euro Cup was his growing bond with Nico Williams, with whom he shares similar interests, such as music and dancing.

Yamal expressed his desire to play alongside Nico on a weekly basis, hoping that his friend could one day join him at Barcelona.

“We like the same things, the same music, we dance on TikTok. I would like to play every week with him, hopefully, but he is now at Athletic,” noted the teenage star.

Throughout his football journey, Yamal has often been compared to Lionel Messi, but these comparisons do not bother him. Instead, he embraces the honour of being likened to the football legend.

“I like being compared to the best player in football history, but I want to be myself. Reaching Messi’s level is impossible,” he said.

Future at Barcelona

As the conversation turned to his rising market value, which currently stands at €120 million, the host playfully asked if he would like that amount for himself.

Yamal responded with characteristic loyalty, saying he wouldn’t want the money if it meant leaving Barcelona. His dream, he said, is to become a legend at the club.

“I don’t want them to give me those 120 million because I would have to leave Barça. I hope I can never leave Barça, I want to be a legend,” admitted the footballer

Yamal ended the show by reminiscing about the Euro Cup celebrations. He described the chaotic but joyful moments in the dressing room, where he was surprised by the fun-loving side of normally serious players like Morata and Unai Simon.

“First all the families came down and we were on the pitch for an hour. Then in the locker room, it was crazy.

“I thought that Morata and Unai Simon were serious people but. I didn’t believe it. And the first thing I thought the next day was that I wanted to sleep because it was 9 in the morning,” he explained.

This interview showcased Yamal’s maturity beyond his years and his down-to-earth personality, which has endeared him to football fans everywhere.