At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal is already being spoken of as one of football’s brightest rising stars. His dazzling displays for Barcelona and the Spanish national team have made him a revelation on the pitch, but there are growing concerns behind the scenes about the teenager’s lifestyle away from football.
The young winger has reportedly been hosting private gatherings and attending late-night parties, sometimes in the company of celebrities from the music and fashion industries. What worries Barcelona the most is not necessarily the company he keeps, but the potential effects on his recovery, rest, and overall professionalism. The lack of clarity around how much he drinks, how late he stays up, and the extent to which these activities may impact his fitness has become a matter of genuine concern within the club.
Barcelona’s leadership fears Yamal might be heading down a path that has previously derailed the careers of two of their most talented stars Ronaldinho and Neymar Jr. Ronaldinho, once the best player in the world and winner of the 2005 Ballon d’Or, saw his career decline prematurely as nightlife and alcohol began to take a toll. By his mid-20s, injuries and off-field distractions had blunted his brilliance. Neymar, meanwhile, has faced similar criticism throughout his career for prioritizing lifestyle over professionalism. Despite his extraordinary talent, his reputation for partying has often overshadowed his consistency on the pitch.
What makes Yamal’s case even more delicate is that Neymar is one of his footballing idols. For Barcelona, this raises alarms that the youngster could emulate not only Neymar’s genius but also his missteps. Club president Joan Laporta and the hierarchy are determined to prevent that outcome. They are reportedly putting structures in place to provide Yamal with the right guidance, mentorship, and support both on and off the field.
On the pitch, however, Yamal has started the season in spectacular fashion. In Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Mallorca, he produced an assist and scored a brilliant injury-time goal that highlighted his immense potential. Performances like these remind everyone why he is seen as a generational talent one worth protecting from the distractions that could derail his journey to greatness.
