These Are Lamine Yamal’s Birthday Wishes as He Turns 18
On his 18th birthday, Lamine Yamal dreams of adding the Champions League and the World Cup to his already impressive trophy haul. The Barcelona forward remains focused on the present and vows to give everything to keep making history.
The Ambition of a Young Champion
Lamine Yamal, forward for Barcelona, turned 18 this Sunday and took the opportunity to share his goals for the upcoming season: to replicate last season’s domestic triumphs and add both the Champions League and the World Cup to his collection.
"At 18, I’m asking for everything I had at 16 and 17, plus the titles I’m missing: the Champions League and the World Cup," said the young star in a video released by the Catalan club, part of the Inside Barça 24/25 documentary series.
Despite his youth, the Spain international is all about the now. “My mindset tells me I have to win. I don’t think about having many years ahead, I want to win now and I’ll give everything to make it happen,” he affirmed. “I want to tell the fans we’ll fight, and I’m sure the Champions League will come back home. I’m going after the World Cup too,” he added.
Back to Training, Possibly With the Number 10
On Sunday, Lamine Yamal was one of the main attractions during Barcelona's return to training, now under new coach Hansi Flick. The players were called in at 9:00 a.m. at the Joan Gamper Training Ground for the usual medical and physical tests.
Even after celebrating his birthday on Saturday —starting with a family lunch in Garraf and later a private party with friends, teammates, and celebrities— the young forward showed up ready and on time for the new season’s preparations.
He is expected to take part in his first training session on Monday afternoon, and could wear the number 10 shirt for the first time in Barcelona's preseason friendly against Vissel Kobe on July 27 during their tour of Japan and South Korea. That iconic number, previously worn by Ansu Fati (now on loan at Monaco), will officially be handed to Yamal this week.
With a new contract signed through 2031, Lamine Yamal is gearing up for a season where he’ll aim to maintain his upward trajectory. After winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, and Euro 2024, his sights are now set on conquering the Champions League and the World Cup.
