Barcelona and Spain have been warned over the handling of Lamine Yamal following the forward’s return from a groin injury. The 18-year-old came off the bench to help Hansi Flick's side defeat Real Sociedad 2-1 in La Liga on Sunday evening, having missed their previous four games with a groin problem which was aggravated while on international duty.
Lamine Yamal made a dazzling return from injury as Barcelona came from behind to beat Real Sociedad 2-1, with the teenage winger providing an assist just one minute after coming on. While La Real head coach Sergio Francisco called him 'the best in the world', Barca boss Hansi Flick insisted Yamal isn't the only Ballon d'Or contender at the Catalan club.
Liverpool weren't the only European team to lose their 100 percent record this weekend. Over in Italy, Napoli slipped to second in the Serie A table after being beaten 2-1 by a Christian Pulisici-inspired AC Milan at San Siro.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has confirmed Lamine Yamal will make his return to the Barcelona squad for their clash with Real Sociedad on Sunday evening. The 17-year-old had been nursing a groin injury, but will make an appearance for the Blaugrana as they look to keep the pressure up on league leaders Real Madrid whose struggles against Atletico could open up an opportunity.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele was confirmed as the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner earlier this week and final voting figures revealed he finished more than 300 points clear of Barcelona's teenage superstar Lamine Yamal. The Frenchman's stellar campaign, which included a historic quadruple, made him only PSG's second ever recipient of the prestigious prize.
Lamine Yamal has expressed his delight at being back fit again after a frustrating period with a groin injury. The 18-year-old missed Barcelona's games against Valencia, Newcastle United, Getafe and Real Oviedo in recent weeks but his time on the sidelines appears to be over. The winger declared he is "back" on Instagram, potentially paving the way for him to return to Hansi Flick's side.
Luis de la Fuente has dismissed Hansi Flick’s complaints about Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal, saying he’s “not interested” in the Barcelona coach’s criticism. Flick was angered after the teenager was given painkillers on international duty, sparking fears of long-term damage. Now, Barca are carefully managing his recovery ahead of a key Champions League showdown.
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Aleix Garcia didn't fall short of words while praising Barcelona duo and Spanish national team-mates Lamine Yamal and Pedri. While Garcia admitted that he "enjoy watching him", he hailed Pedri as the nucleus of the reigning La Liga champions, explaining what makes the former Las Palmas sensation such an effective and reliable footballer.
Following the release of EA Sports FC 26, GOAL's Front Three have stepped in to amend some player ratings, with Casemiro, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane's numbers all adjusted.
Two teenage prodigies, worlds apart in sport but bound by precocious brilliance — Boris Becker, the youngest Wimbledon champion in history, sees his own reflection in Barcelona’s wonderkid Lamine Yamal. Yet while Becker’s triumphs were followed by turbulence, he now urges the 18-year-old football sensation to guard against the same pitfalls as fame and fortune come crashing in.
Lamine Yamal has visited Barcelona team-mate Gavi in hospital after seeing his fellow La Masia academy graduate suffer another devastating injury blow. It has been revealed that Spain international midfielder Gavi is facing between four and five months on the sidelines after being forced to undergo surgery on another knee problem - with a long-term solution to frustrating fitness issues being sought.
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has issued a strong message for his team-mate Gavi who has been left devastated by a serious knee injury during training which has ruled him out for up to five months. Gavi has undergone surgery and begun his rehabilitation, but will certainly miss the majority of this season and potentially a place in Spain's 2026 World Cup squad.
Barcelona are cautiously managing Lamine Yamal’s recovery as the teenage star edges closer to full fitness ahead of the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Hansi Flick admitted the teenager is “almost back” but stressed no risks will be taken. With PSG and Ousmane Dembele looming on October 1, Barca are preparing to have their prodigy fit for Europe’s biggest stage.
Hansi Flick admitted Ousmane Dembele “deserved” the Ballon d’Or after the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s spectacular season, while insisting Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has taken finishing second in his stride. Flick revealed Yamal is "motivated" to win the prize in the near future and ready to respond with performances as Barca prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
Vitinha expressed his happiness at achieving a third-placed finish in the Ballon d'Or rankings and extended his congratulations to Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Ousmane Dembele, who pipped Barcelona rival Lamine Yamal to lift the prestigious award. Vitinha was one of the best midfielders in the world last season and achieved tremendous success with both club and country.
Lamine Yamal won his second consecutive Kopa Trophy on Monday night, while at the same time finishing as runner up in the men's Ballon d'Or vote to Ousmane Dembele. This is not normal, of course. The kid is still only 18, which makes us think that we're witnessing the dawning of a new era of domination by a single player.