Lamine Yamal admits it’s ‘incredible’ to follow in Neymar and Lionel Messi’s footsteps as wonderkid becomes latest inspiration for Barcelona fans

At just 17, Yamal has not only cemented his place in the starting lineup but has also become a beacon of hope for the Catalan giants as they pursue silverware on multiple fronts. With 14 goals and 22 assists across all competitions this season, the teenage sensation is playing a pivotal role in fuelling Barcelona's treble hopes - and the first of the three silverware will be up for grabs this Saturday during the Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Yamal’s performances have ignited a wave of admiration among supporters. His jersey has quickly become one of the most popular items at the club’s official store, and his name is frequently seen and chanted in the stands of the Olympic Stadium. The young winger admitted that seeing this kind of support is still a surreal experience.

Speaking to ESPN during a promotional appearance for Powerade’s "The 304" campaign—named after the neighbourhood he grew up in—Yamal said: "It's incredible. When I was a kid, I wore Neymar's shirts, Messi's jerseys, all these players, so seeing kids wearing my shirt means that I'm their inspiration, at least in football.

"It's something I never thought would happen so fast: [seeing] those 13-year-old kids in the shirt of a kid who's only four years older than them. It is amazing. My mum always tells me to think about [the significance]; that it doesn't happen to just anyone, going somewhere and seeing a kid wearing your shirt. It is something that makes me very happy and is one of the things I like the most."

Born in Rocafonda, a working-class neighbourhood in Mataró just north of Barcelona, Yamal’s journey has captured the imagination of football fans across Spain. Since debuting at just 15 years of age on April 29, 2023, his development has been nothing short of phenomenal. Within a short time, he’s not only broken into Barcelona’s senior squad but also earned recognition on the international stage.

Yamal already boasts a European Championship victory with Spain and has received numerous individual honours. This past week, he was named Breakthrough of the Year at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards, adding to an already impressive haul that includes the Kopa Trophy and the prestigious Golden Boy award.

"My parents were my references in everything," he added. "Everybody always tells me that I have a bit of my mum and a bit of my dad. I think that on the pitch I have a lot of my father and off the pitch I have a lot of my mother.

"They are two people I have grown up with and they have taught me everything. They have fought for me. The affection my father has for me is unimaginable. Thanks to him I have learned the love that one has for the family, because he is a person that gives a lot of love to people. So I believe that everything I have and that I will have is thanks to them. I always say I will never be able to thank them fully, but I will try."

The stakes are high as Yamal and his Barcelona team-mates prepare for another titanic clash against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. Scheduled for Saturday, April 26, this edition of El Clásico promises fireworks, with Yamal expected to play a starring role. Following the domestic showdown, Yamal will also be key in the Champions League semi-final against Italian giants Inter Milan—a tie that could define the club’s season.