Yamal commits to Catalan giant until 2031

BARCELONA — After a spectacular season, Barcelona's teenage star Lamine Yamal signed a new contract until 2031 with the Catalan giant on Tuesday.

The 17-year-old winger is already one of the club's key players, helping it land a La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup treble.

"Barcelona and Lamine Yamal have reached a deal to extend his contract to June 30, 2031," said the Catalan club in a statement.

"Lamine Yamal's renewal is a demonstration of the solidity of Barca's project.

"His emergence on the world football scene is like few others, and it began with his debut on April 29, 2023, still at the age of 15."

Spanish media reported the new deal makes him one of Barcelona's best-paid players.

After triumphing at Euro 2024 with Spain last summer, Yamal went on to score 18 goals, and provided 25 assists in 55 matches across all competitions during a sensational club campaign.

Operating on the right flank and a prodigious dribbler of the ball, Yamal's skill and speed contributed greatly to Barca netting 102 league goals this season as it reclaimed the crown from rival Real Madrid.

Yamal, who came through the club's feted La Masia youth academy and is often compared to all-time Barcelona great Lionel Messi, made his debut in 2023 under Xavi Hernandez at just 15 years old.

By the end of the 2023-24 campaign he had emerged as the team's main attacking weapon, the bright spot in a poor campaign where Barca finished the season empty-handed.

Following his exploits at the Euros, Yamal fitted Hansi Flick's attacking style to perfection, and, adding more consistency, showed he has become one of the world's best players.

Yamal put in two brilliant Champions League semifinal performances against Inter Milan, but his team was edged 7-6 on aggregate, and must wait to end its European drought. Something Yamal intends to do.

"I will keep my promise and I will bring (the Champions League trophy) to Barcelona, we will not stop until we get it," pledged Yamal after the game with Milan.

Despite his youth, the winger has already played over 100 times for Barcelona.

Yamal, who turns 18 in July, follows teammate Raphinha and coach Flick in signing contract extensions in the last few days.

Spanish media reports his contract includes various bonuses for different achievements, including winning the Ballon d'Or, as well as a significant pay rise.

Yamal is a candidate to win the trophy for the world's best player this year.

AFP