Lamine Yamal modest: 'Never asked to become the highest-paid player'

Barcelona’s 2-0 victory away at Athletic Club may have been just another routine result in La Liga, but it further highlighted one of the brightest stories of their season the continued emergence of 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal.

While the goals on the night came from more experienced players, the spotlight once again shifted to the young right winger whose performances, attitude, and maturity have made him a cornerstone of Barça’s present and future.

Yamal, who has featured in nearly every major game for Barcelona this season, is not only setting records for youngest appearances and goals but is now on the verge of signing a new contract with the club. The extension, expected to include a significant salary increase and a high release clause, reflects not only his growing importance on the pitch but also the club’s desire to secure their most promising academy graduate since Ansu Fati burst onto the scene.

But what makes Yamal stand out even more perhaps even more than his dazzling footwork, composure under pressure, and ability to turn matches at will is his approach off the field. Despite the rapid rise and the inevitable media attention, he has remained grounded, focused, and, in the words of sporting director Deco, incredibly mature for his age.

In a candid interview with Catalan radio station RAC1, Deco praised the teenager’s humility during contract talks:
“Lamine has never asked to be the highest-paid player in the squad,” he said. “We are speaking with his agents, of course, and the contract needs to reflect reality we’re not blind to what he represents. But he himself never demanded anything. His priority has always been to feel valued, to be in the right place to develop.”

That sense of emotional intelligence of not rushing, not demanding, not falling into the trap of ego is, as Deco put it, “extremely rare.”
“I see an exceptional level of maturity in him. I have a son the same age. What Lamine is showing, day in and day out, is something special. We need to enjoy him, protect him, because players like him come along once in a generation with that personality, that self-confidence, that talent.”

Club president Joan Laporta has also publicly spoken about the club’s intention to renew Yamal’s contract as a priority. His current deal runs until mid-2026, but with growing interest from top European clubs especially after his performances in both La Liga and international fixtures with Spain the club is eager to act quickly. It’s expected that his new contract will run until 2030 and include a release clause well in excess of €1 billion, in line with recent renewals for Pedri, Gavi, and other core players.

But unlike many other wonderkids who become the center of media storms, Yamal seems to reject the drama. He rarely gives interviews, avoids flashy social media behavior, and has even been reported to prioritize training over commercial opportunities an approach that’s won him not just admiration in the dressing room, but the trust of Xavi Hernández, who has often started him in high-pressure matches ahead of more experienced players.

Against Athletic Club, Yamal once again showed why he’s so highly rated. He didn’t score or assist, but his involvement in both goals was crucial. He pulled defenders out of position with his off-the-ball movement, broke lines with confident dribbles, and showed an understanding of tempo and positioning that far exceeds his age.

Deco added another important point during the interview:
“For me, it doesn’t matter whether you’re 17, 18, or 30. If you contribute, you deserve a fair contract. That’s what we’re offering. Not because he’s asking for it but because he’s earned it. He doesn’t need to be the highest-paid player. What matters is that he feels like one of the most important because he is.”

The message is clear: Barcelona is not just investing in a young talent, but in a long-term leader. Someone they hope will stay at the club for the next decade and beyond, leading them through a new era of success built on youth and identity.

Lamine Yamal joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at a young age after being spotted in the youth ranks of CF La Torreta. His development was accelerated from early on, and in 2023 he became the youngest player to debut for the senior team in a La Liga match. He also became the youngest Spanish player to score for the national team and has already been called up to the senior squad on multiple occasions.

Despite these milestones, he remains a quiet figure in the dressing room, described by teammates as “humble, hungry, and obsessed with football.” He’s known to stay after training sessions to work on shooting and decision-making a dedication that further reinforces the club’s desire to wrap up his renewal as soon as possible.

As Barcelona continues to rebuild after the Messi era, it’s clear that players like Yamal are central to that project. Not just because of what they bring on the pitch, but because of how they carry themselves off it. In a footballing world often dominated by short-term thinking, high wages, and quick exits, Lamine Yamal represents something different something Barça, and football as a whole, could use more of.