Lamine Yamal hails Xavi after winning his second La Liga title at the age of 17

Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, has heaped praise on former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández, crediting him as the key figure behind his meteoric rise at the club.

The 17-year-old winger made the emotional statement after Barcelona’s 2–0 win over Espanyol, a victory that officially crowned them 2024/25 La Liga Champions.

“If it wasn’t for Xavi, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Yamal said in a post-match conference.

” I’d like to thank Xavi, without him this was not gonna be possible.

“He gave us young players the opportunity to make our debuts.”

From Wonderkid to Star

Yamal first burst onto the scene on April 29, 2023, when he made his senior debut for Barcelona in a La Liga match against Real Betis at the Spotify Camp Nou.

He came on for Gavi in the 83rd minute at just 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days old, making him the youngest player to ever feature in a league match for Barça.

Since then, the young forward has become a household name, praised for his fearlessness, flair, and maturity beyond his years.

Phenomenal 2024/25 Season

Under new head coach Hansi Flick, Yamal has become a crucial part of the team. Despite being only 17, he has already played 100 games for Barcelona — a staggering milestone.

This season alone, Yamal has featured in 35 matches, scoring 8 goals and providing 13 assists. Fans and analysts alike believe this is just the beginning for the prodigy.

A Bright Future Ahead

With Xavi’s legacy firmly tied to giving youth a chance, Lamine Yamal stands as his greatest success story.

As the club looks to the future under Flick, one thing is certain: Lamine Yamal is no longer just a promising talent, he’s already a star.