'Serious concerns' emerge surrounding Lamine Yamal as Barcelona fear wonderkid may lose 'control'

Yamal has been thrust into the spotlight at the tender age of 17 after becoming a key player for Barcelona and Spain. The teenage wonderkid helped La Roja win Euro 2024 in the summer and has broken a host of records for club and country. However, Barcelona have become concerned by his "excessive prominence" and fear he may not be able to "control what happens" to him, according to Marca. The club are now working hard to ensure Yamal is not overwhelmed by his rise to fame.

Yamal only turned 17 in July but has already been tipped as a future winner of the Ballon d'Or by Cristiano Ronaldo and former Barcelona striker and television pundit Gary Lineker. Barca's wonderkid is on the shortlist for this year's award, although it's too soon for him to be a credible challenger. However, he is expected to lift the Kopa Trophy instead.

Yamal has been directly involved in 11 goals (three goals and eight assists) in 16 senior appearances for Spain in all competitions. This is the most by a player under the age of 18 in the history of the Spanish national team.

Yamal is now back with Barcelona after starring for Spain over the international break. The teenager has one goal and four assists in four matches for the Catalans this season, with Hansi Flick's side set to take on Girona next in La Liga.