17-year-old Yamal signs new 6-year Barcelona contract

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has signed a new contract until 2031 with the Catalan giants after a spectacular season.

Barcelona announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

Yamal, 17, is already one of Barcelona’s key players and helped the club land a domestic treble of LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.

The club stayed: “Barcelona and Lamine Yamal have reached a deal to extend his contract to June 30, 2031.

“Lamine Yamal’s renewal is a demonstration of the solidity of Barca’s project. His emergence on to 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, the winger scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists in 55 matches across all competitions during a sensational campaign.

Operating on the right flank and a prodigious dribbler, Yamal’s skill and speed contributed greatly to Barcelona netting 102 league goals this season as they reclaimed the crown from rivals Real Madrid.

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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 the age of 15.

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 empty-handed.

Yamal, who turns 18 in July, follows team-mate Raphinha and coach Hansi Flick in signing contact extensions in the last few days.

Spanish media report 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.

The Star