‘Slaps’ punishment for Lamine Yamal after breaking the rules as Barcelona wonderkid gets no special treatment under demanding boss Hansi Flick

At the age of 17, talented teenager Yamal has already rewritten the history books with club and country. He made his senior Barca breakthrough at 15, before going on to claim a continental crown with Spain at Euro 2024.

He is considered to be a future Golden Boy and Ballon d’Or winner, with the youngster already back among the goals in 2024-25. Yamal will, however, not be treated any differently to his team-mates in Catalunya – as he has already found out to his cost.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Yamal was subjected to a “tunnel of slaps” after reporting late for a pre-training talk from German head coach Flick. The former Bayern Munich manager has made it clear at the start of his reign that his rules are not to be broken.

Another “heavyweight” figure in the Barca dressing room is also said to have been disciplined after failing to turn up on time for training – as Flick moved to implement double sessions. The player in question, who overslept, was reportedly scolded in front of the rest of the squad.

Flick’s methods are clearly working, as Barcelona have made their way to the top of the Liga table with 12 points taken from their opening four games in 2024-25. They have registered 13 goals, with Yamal catching the eye with a number of assists and one effort of his own.