Marcus Rashford may have enjoyed another encouraging evening but Barcelona were put firmly in their place by Paris Saint-Germain in their eagerly-awaited Champions League clash on Tuesday evening, with the titleholders coming from behind to claim a deserved 2-1 win at Montjuic.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has explained why the club moved for Roony Bardghji despite the winger’s recovery from a serious injury. The 19-year-old, dubbed the ‘Swedish Messi’, was signed to provide depth behind Lamine Yamal, with Deco comparing the pair’s profiles while stressing the deal was a long-monitored opportunity.
Every month, GOAL brings you the top stories involving teenage wonderkids and the world's best young footballers. During September, there was plenty to be said about the likes of Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono, but there were also plenty of other headlines made by the planet's emerging stars in both the men's and women's games.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has sent the Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal a firm reminder that “talent alone isn’t enough” ahead of the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. The German urged the 18-year-old to back up his dazzling skills with work rate and discipline, playing down the hype around him and insisting the winger must step up defensively to reach the next level.
Lamine Yamal’s father has come to spotlight once again after appearing in a lighthearted cooking video where he joked he will “live off” his son. Mounir Nasraoui, often outspoken on social media, defended the Barcelona starlet while brushing off critics. The remarks came just days after Yamal’s decisive return for Barca ahead of a huge Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona are reportedly planning to block Lamine Yamal from being called up by Spain for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria as the fallout from the forward’s recent groin injury continues. The Blaugrana were incensed after discovering the 18-year-old aggravated a groin issue by taking painkillers to play in his country’s international double header earlier this month.
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.