‘I enjoy my life’ — Barcelona’s new No.10 Lamine Yamal reacts to criticism of his 18th birthday

Lamine Yamal has officially signed a new long-term deal with FC Barcelona until 2031 and has been handed the club’s iconic No.10 shirt, a jersey once worn by footballing royalty.

But off the pitch, the teenager is also learning to navigate the scrutiny that comes with superstardom, especially following criticism of his headline-making 18th birthday celebration.

Speaking after the official announcement of his new shirt number, Yamal made his ambitions crystal clear. “I haven’t won the Champions League yet, so winning it,” he said when asked what motivates him.

The Spain international is now firmly positioned as Barcelona’s franchise player, and he knows what comes with the weight of wearing Messi’s former number.

“Since I was little, I’ve dreamed of things like this. I’m grateful to the club for choosing me to wear it,” Yamal said, clearly humbled by the moment.

He also credited his family, especially his grandmother, for supporting him every step of the way: “She doesn’t even fully understand what this means. I have to thank her and keep working hard for everything she’s done for me.”

Despite the joy of his milestone moment, Yamal’s recent mafia-themed birthday party drew criticism across Spain, with some even accusing the player of poor taste.

But the teenager shrugged off the backlash with maturity. “I work for Barca, but when I’m outside the training ground, I enjoy my life,” he said.

With a laugh, Yamal added that new head coach Hansi Flick told him to go to bed early after the party, given the club had a double training session the next day. “They all congratulated me and I'm grateful to them, without them, I wouldn’t be here.”

After a 2024/25 season that has seen him become one of the biggest contenders for the Ballon d’Or, even as a teenager, Yamal is set for an even more impressive campaign as he continues to come of age.