In a recent interview, Yamal, a 16-year-old rising star of Spanish soccer, opened up about his first experiences with FC Barcelona (Barcelona) and shared his journey as a young player and his outlook on the future.
Yamal began by talking about his first day at Barcelona, when he was full of youth and insecurity. "I put my backpack on the chair they gave me because young players aren't entitled to have lockers yet." He recalls, "I put on my sneakers and chose to go to the gym because it was a place where I could at least temporarily escape from that awkwardness and insecurity." It was an experience that undoubtedly added a unique touch to Yamal's career and made him appreciate all that he has since gained.
Speaking about his first season at Barcelona, Yamal was outspoken about the frustration of not winning the title. "Not winning the title is a very hard thing to do at Barcelona." He said, "We've had a lot of ups and downs, especially in La Liga, where we haven't been consistent enough. You know, to win important tournaments like La Liga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey or the Spanish Super Cup, you have to maintain constant consistency and great athleticism, and that's what we were lacking at the time." Despite failing to win the title as he had hoped, the experience has made Yamal more aware of the difficulty of winning and the importance of teamwork.
As one of the top young players, Yamal has realized that he has become a role model for many children. "When I was a kid I always looked up to superstars like Messi and Neymar and now to see kids looking up to me, it's an amazing feeling." He said with emotion. This shift in identity has given Yamal an unprecedented sense of responsibility and mission, and he knows that his words and actions will have a profound impact on the younger generation.
Looking ahead, Yamal is full of anticipation and confidence. "We are very excited because we are all very young and for many it is the first time we are playing in a major tournament like the Europa League." He said, "I hope we can give it our all and try to win the title. It's a dream and a goal for all of us."
When asked what career he would choose if he didn't become a footballer, Yamal humorously said, "I guess I'd probably become an anchor."
