Lamine Yamal: The Spain Wonderkid Poised To Fill Lionel Messi's Shoes At Barcelona After Euro 2024 Win

Over the past two decades the football world had gotten used to an FC Barcelona forward tormenting the defenders, scoring outrageous goals, possessing exceptional playmaking skills, and lighting up the right wing. Three years after Lionel Messi's exit from Barca, the Catalonian club may have done the impossible, and found a perfect replacement for the Argentine legend. Lamine Yamal, the youngster whose attacking prowess seems second to none, has successfully established himself as one of the most dangerous attackers in football with his performance at the Euro 2024 tournament where he became the youngest player to ever play in a major tournament final overtaking none other than Pele.

Born and raised in Catalonia, Lamine was co-parented by his father Mounir Nasraoui, and mother Sheila Abana. The couple had gotten divorced when Yamal was just three years old. Lamine arrived at FC Barcelona at the age of seven from his local club CF La Torreta. At La Masia, he raced through the age categories quicker than any other player of his age showing the potential that he holds.

A recent photo went viral of a 20-year-old Lionel Messi posing for a photo with Lamine Yamal, who at the time was just eight months old further strengthening the belief in fans all over the world that the two players are in some way connected.

Lamine's family had won a raffle in the town of Mataró, Catalonia. The raffle was sponsored by Diario Sport and UNICEF and offered winners the chance to have pictures taken with Barcelona players.

Lamine's rapid rise to prominence began when he started training with Barca's first team at just 15 years old, at the request of coach Xavi Hernandez. He made his debut for the first team in April 2023, becoming the youngest