Lamine Yamal Breaks La Liga Record and Earns Zidane’s Praise at Just 17

Catalonia has seen its fair share of miracles, but what Lamine Yamal is doing goes beyond even Barcelona’s high standards. Still only 17, the young prodigy hasn't just broken into the first team — he’s become one of its leaders. Yamal recently found himself at the heart of attention once again: 13 assists in La Liga this season, setting a 21st-century record for players under the age of 20. Not even Vinícius or Lionel Messi managed that.

If you look beyond the league and across all competitions, his stats are jaw-dropping: 55 appearances, 18 goals, 25 assists. And these aren’t just tap-ins or lucky rebounds — we're talking about long-range curlers, razor-sharp through balls, forced red cards, and match-defining moments that shaped the title race.

It’s hard not to agree that Yamal plays as if he already has ten seasons of elite football behind him. He doesn't flinch under pressure, he stays composed in tense moments, and he's never afraid to take the initiative. Players like this become the face of a generation — and Zinedine Zidane sees it too. The French legend, who’s seen it all, admitted:

“When you watch him play… Take the second half of the semi-final against Inter — I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. It was something extraordinary — the skill and control he showed. It was mesmerizing to see such confidence and maturity. That’s why Lamine has become a true inspiration for the younger generation. Every era has its heroes, and that’s a beautiful thing.”

High praise from a man who once decided World Cup finals by himself.

Fittingly, it was Yamal who played a key role in the match that brought the La Liga title back to Barca. His composure in the final third and his vision to find teammates in space have made him an irreplaceable asset in Hansi Flick’s system.

Yes, the season had its share of setbacks — shaky defense, and the sting of a Champions League exit to Inter. But it was players like Lamine who pulled Barcelona through at crucial moments. When something extraordinary was needed — he delivered.

And now, as this 17-year-old goes beyond merely showing promise and begins to rewrite the rules on the pitch, one question becomes inevitable: how high is his ceiling? Does he even have one? A player who has already etched his name into La Liga history appears to be just getting started.

If this is what the future of football looks like — then the future has already arrived.

Published by Patrick Jane
27.05.2025