After many months of waiting, Lamine Yamal finally signed a new 6-year contract with Barcelona. The deal has helped the Spaniard become the highest-paid player in Barcelona's squad, with a salary of 30 million Euros per year. This is a worthy reward for his great contributions to the Blaugrana's domestic treble in the 2024-2025 season.
However, the most important thing is that Yamal was also given the No. 10 shirt, the legendary shirt that once belonged to Lionel Messi. The iconic shirt has been left vacant since Ansu Fati joined AS Monaco on loan in the early summer. Fati was finally unable to carry the historical burden of wearing the No. 10 shirt and gradually fading away.
"Messi has found his way, I will do it my way, and the number 10 shirt is also returned from Ansu Fati. I will try to find my way" - Yamal shared at the signing ceremony of a contract until 2031 with Barcelona.
It was that courage that made the difference between Yamal and other young stars since his spectacular breakthrough in the national team jersey. Walking on the same path with Messi, and the previous Ronaldinho, Romario, Diego Maradona, did not disappoint the Spanish national team. After all, he has contributed 74 goals for club and country on the journey to winning four major trophies, including the EURO championship, before turning 18 on July 13.
Yamal could even become the youngest player in history to win the Ballon d'Or at the end of this year, thanks to his impressive performances in major tournaments. If he continues his current development, Yamal can completely reach the top. But to do that, he needs to avoid the traps that Neymar has fallen into.
Yamal's new contract has been somewhat overshadowed by the suspenseful headlines related to last week's lavish birthday party. It is reported that about 200 guests attended the party at a rented villa in the town of Olivella, including many musicians, influential people, as well as teammates Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde, Gavi and Raphinha.
However, controversy broke out when a group of minnows who were filmed were en route to Yamal's birthday destination. They were reportedly hired by Yamal to perform, an act condemned by the Association of People with Osteoporosis in Spain (ADEE).
EE AD has also filed a complaint with the Spanish government, calling for a comprehensive investigation "to determine whether the law and rights of people with disabilities are violated".
One of the thieves who was believed to be present at the party asserted to the media that everything was transparent and "we do this job because we want to." Whether it is right or wrong, Yamal should also avoid similar controversial incidents in the future.
