At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has become one of FC Barcelona’s standout stars during the 2024/25 season. With 14 goals and 22 assists across all competitions, the young winger has not only secured a spot in the starting XI, but also emerged as a key figure in the club’s quest for a historic treble.

Ahead of El Clásico Final

As Barcelona prepares to face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey Final, the academy product sat down with ESPN for a revealing interview, where he opened up about his meteoric rise and how he's dealing with the growing attention from fans.

From admiring Messi and Neymar... to inspiring the next generation

In his appearance for Powerade’s “The 304” campaign — a tribute to his hometown neighborhood — Yamal admitted he’s still trying to process the impact he’s making:

“When I was a kid, I wore Neymar and Messi shirts… Seeing kids now wearing mine means I’ve become their inspiration, at least in football,” said the young Barça star.

He added that even though he’s just a few years older than them, he’s moved by the sight of 13-year-olds chanting his name and wearing his number:

“It’s something I never thought would happen so soon. My mom always tells me to value it — this doesn’t happen to just anyone.”