Lamine Yamal commits to Barcelona, signing his first big contract
Barcelona’s rising star has just secured his first major contract, a milestone moment coming six weeks before his 18th birthday.
The future is now. After months of intense negotiations, Barcelona has officially extended Lamine Yamal’s contract through June 2031, securing one of La Masia’s brightest stars well before his 18th birthday.
Raised in Rocafonda, the young winger - who often recalls losing his fear playing in the parks of Mataró, has signed the first “mega-contract” of his career, propelling him into the upper tiers of the club’s salary structure.
Lamine Yamal’s new salary and buyout details withheld
While specific details remain confidential, Yamal’s market value, estimated at $195 million by Transfermarkt, underscores his rising status. Notably, Barcelona has implemented a new policy of keeping his buyout clause undisclosed - contrasting with his previous staggering clause of $1.08 billion.
“The process is never easy,” admitted Barça president Joan Laporta in an interview last week when asked about renewing the No. 19. Although the negotiations seemed straightforward externally, internal complexities - especially Yamal’s breakout performances at the last Euros, reshaped expectations. His rapid rise has forced Barcelona to invest far more than initially anticipated, at least for this first contract extension.
Lamine Yamal: a global icon
Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of spectacular. After securing the Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy award, he is now a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or—cementing his status as a global football brand and one of Barcelona’s key figures. His unforgettable season has been marked by decisive performances in every Clásico, reinforcing Barça’s new-found dominance over Real Madrid.
Yamal’s impact has extended beyond Spain, making waves across Europe. His thrilling display against Inter Milan in the Champions League left an indelible mark on fans. In the first leg, he scored a stunning goal and crafted a near-magical play along the goal line, only to be denied by Yann Sommer and the crossbar—an effort that could have been the goal of the season. The second leg saw him brought down by Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a blatant penalty-worthy challenge, though referee Szymon Marciniak controversially ruled it outside the box.
The dawn of a new era: Lamine Yamal as Barcelona’s franchise star
With his explosive rise now undeniable, Lamine Yamal is stepping into this next chapter as Barcelona’s franchise player. At just 17, he has already displayed remarkable maturity and leadership, often driving his teammates forward in crucial moments throughout the season. His performances on the pitch have convinced Barça that he is the cornerstone around which they must build their future—a vision that will shape the club’s squad planning.
From now on, the team will pretty much revolve around Yamal, who will be viewed in a new light—no longer just a prodigy, but a leader. Laporta has acknowledged the club’s commitment to creating a “comfortable environment” for him, a staggering responsibility for someone yet to turn 18.
And for those drawn to the intrigue of tradition and symbolism, one question remains—will his renewal come with a new jersey number? Will he trade No. 19 for the legendary No. 10, previously worn by Ansu Fati and forever associated with Lionel Messi? Regardless of the number on his back, Yamal doesn’t need extra fanfare to make an impact. He is already writing his own legend.
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