A Young Star With His Feet on the Ground
At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal is already one of the standout figures at FC Barcelona, yet away from the spotlight he leads a remarkably normal life. That was clear in an interview with ESPN, where he opened up about his routine beyond football.
The Barça winger explained that staying grounded is essential for him, and that he makes a clear distinction between life on the pitch and everything that happens once the match is over.
Disconnecting to Perform Better
Far from being obsessed with football around the clock, Lamine Yamal admitted that he actively tries not to focus solely on the game. “I do what any 18-year-old kid does,” he said, referring to spending time with friends, looking after his brother, playing video games, or simply going out for a walk.
His approach is simple but deliberate: enjoy the day, avoid overthinking upcoming matches, and stay away from watching clips of opposing full-backs. Football, for him, only takes center stage once he steps onto the field.
Imagining Life Without Fame
During the conversation, the young forward was also asked to picture what a normal day would look like if he weren’t famous. His answer reflected pure simplicity: having breakfast at a café terrace, playing a casual football match in a local park—like the sports complex in Rocafonda—and then spending the afternoon riding bikes or scooters with friends.
He also laughed about his short-lived attempt at cooking. Despite once mentioning taking culinary classes, he admitted he quickly gave it up, joking that at best he can manage some chicken nuggets and fries.
Cards, Video Games, and Pokémon
Looking back on his childhood, Lamine Yamal recalled simpler forms of entertainment. At school, Pokémon cards were the main attraction, especially since consoles like the PlayStation or Nintendo weren’t always an option.
He revealed that his favorite Pokémon is Zygarde, and playfully assigned others to teammates: Pikachu for Dani Olmo, and Charizard for Tek Szczęsny, citing his “aura.” A lighthearted moment that perfectly sums up his mindset—an extraordinary talent who still sees himself as just an ordinary 18-year-old.
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