Why Barcelona Are Worried Lamine Yamal Might Be Messing Himself Up Like Neymar or Ronaldinho

At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal is already being hailed as one of the brightest prospects in world football. 

His dazzling performances for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team have made him a revelation on the pitch, but concerns are growing behind the scenes about the teenager’s lifestyle off it.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

According to a report by El Economista, Barcelona president Joan Laporta and the club hierarchy are more alarmed by Yamal’s private parties than by the company of women he has been linked with. 

Over the summer, Yamal reportedly hosted discreet gatherings, including one in Brazil where he was seen with Neymar Jr.

These events often involve friends from the music and fashion industries. For Barcelona, the biggest issue is not knowing how much Yamal drinks, how late he stays up, or whether his recovery is being compromised. The lack of oversight has sparked genuine concern within the club.

Barcelona are wary of Yamal potentially repeating the mistakes of two of their former stars in Ronaldinho and Neymar Jr.

Ronaldinho, who won the 2005  Ballon d’Or, saw his career start to decline when nightlife and alcohol started taking a toll. By 25, injuries and off-field distractions had significantly affected his game.

As for Neymar Jr, the hugely talented winger was often criticized for prioritizing lifestyle over professionalism. His reputation for partying has overshadowed parts of his career.

Yamal himself idolizes Neymar, which only intensifies the club’s concerns.

President Joan Laporta is determined to ensure that Barcelona’s teenage prodigy doesn’t follow the same path. The club is reportedly taking measures to provide Yamal with guidance and structure, offering him support both professionally and personally.

On the pitch, Yamal’s season could hardly have started better. In Barcelona’s opening La Liga 3-0 victory over Mallorca, he not only assisted but also scored a stunning injury-time goal, curling the ball into the top corner. 

Performances like this underline why the club sees him as a generational talent—and why they are so desperate to protect him from distractions that could derail his progress.