'I'm under no pressure' - Lamine Yamal says he's 'indifferent' to praise and criticism as Barcelona star names the two trophies he wants to win after inheriting Lionel Messi's No.10 shirt

The newly turned 18-year-old football sensation Yamal has signed a new contract with Blaugrana until June 2031 and has been handed the iconic No.10 shirt, previously worn by Lionel Messi. In a press conference at Camp Nou, Yamal described the moment as a dream come true and expressed his happiness to stay at the club with his family by his side. He made it clear that he feels no pressure wearing such a legendary number and is determined to enjoy his football. The teenager also revealed that he is “indifferent” to both praise and criticism unless it comes from close family or friends, keeping himself grounded amid the spotlight.

During the press conference the young starlet reflected on continuing at Barca with the weight of legacy on his back, Yamal answered reporters' questions: "What this renewal means is that I'll continue playing for the club of my life, I'll continue enjoying it. I'm under no pressure; I'll continue enjoying myself with a different number."

Looking up to legends like Messi, Ronaldinho and Diego Maradona, he added: "I'd keep everything from each of them. I'm grateful for the club's trust and I'll try to continue that legacy." 

Asked about the growing spotlight on him and how he deals with praise and criticism, he made his stance clear: "The truth is that I'm indifferent to both criticism and praise, unless it comes from my family or people very close to me, because otherwise, one day I'll be very high and the next I'll be very low."

The winger also has his eye on guiding Barca to European glory and Spain to World Cup success, adding: "I haven't won the Champions League, so I want to win the Champions League and the World Cup. Winning the title we've been missing, which was the Champions League, and continuing to grow and play just as well."

At just 18, Yamal has already played 106 matches for Barca, scoring 25 goals and winning multiple trophies, including two La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey. He also helped Spain win the 2024 European Championship. The winger is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in world football, and taking over the No.10 shirt further underlines the club’s faith in his potential.

However, his rapid development has also been matched with controversy, most recently after a video emerged from his 18th birthday party showing entertainers with dwarfism, leading to an official complaint and a government investigation. Yamal has not commented publicly on the issue.

Yamal is the youngest player to reach 100 appearances for Barca, achieving that feat at just 17 years and 291 days old, even Messi was 20 years and 248 days by the time he reached a century of games. The Spanish prodigy was named after two men, Lamine and Yamal, who helped his parents pay rent before he was born. He recently visited Brazilian hero and his 'idol' Neymar Jr.

With his long-term future at Camp Nou now secured, all eyes will be on Yamal as he prepares for the 2025-26 season under Hansi Flick. Inheriting the No.10 brings both expectation and opportunity. He has stated he wants to win the Champions League and a World Cup in his career. Given his current trajectory, that ambition may not be far off. The club, meanwhile, will look to protect and develop their newest superstar while navigating any off-pitch scrutiny that comes with stardom.