Lamine Yamal has had a meteoric rise in the last 18 months, and the man who started it all (in the Barcelona first team) was Xavi Hernandez. The former coach handed the 17-year-old his debut against Real Betis in April 2023 when he was just 15, making him the club's youngest ever player.
Since then, Lamine Yamal has become a world-class player, and recently he was awarded the Golden Boy 2024 award. It is Tuttosport that gave him this honor, and they published a video of Xavi congratulating the teenager, MD.
“Lamine – congratulations, more than deserved, very happy for you. I hope it doesn't slow you down. All the best, my friend. (I give you) a very big hug.”
Xavi did a very good job to help many Barcelona the youngsters are making their way into the first team, with Lamine Yamal being joined by Pau Cubarsi and Fermin Lopez. Hansi Flick did a great job.