FC Barcelona has found its new gem in Lamine Yamal — but things could have gone very differently.
Back when Xavi was still on the bench, he spotted the youngster’s talent early and pushed to bring him into the first team well before his 16th birthday. But the club’s sporting directors hit the brakes. At the time, Yamal had no professional contract, making any early debut a serious risk.
“If he exploded without a deal in place, we’d be putting him on the market unprotected,” explained Jordi Cruyff.
Lamine Yamal now #10
Barça chose to wait until all conditions were met: family approval, legal security, and a stable environment. Only then did Xavi get the green light.
A cautious but smart decision — one that allowed La Masia’s next superstar to emerge safely and with immediate impact. Now, Lamine Yamal wears Barça’s iconic No. 10 and has become a global sensation.
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