Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal signed a new contract with FC Barcelona on Tuesday, extending his stay at the club until 2031 and becoming one of the Catalan giants’ highest-paid players.
The 17-year-old winger, known for his flair, creativity, and long-range curling strikes, played a key role in helping his boyhood club secure a domestic treble comprising La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Yamal, who made his senior debut in 2023 under then-manager Xavi Hernández at the age of just 15, delivered standout performances in both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan, matches that generated significant attention.
However, Barcelona were narrowly defeated 7–6 on aggregate, prolonging their wait for European glory.
Yamal’s new contract, which runs until he turns 24, includes various performance-based bonuses, including one for winning the Ballon d’Or, along with a substantial salary increase.
His contract renewal follows recent extensions signed by team-mate Raphinha and new head coach Hansi Flick.
Before breaking into the first team during the 2023–24 season, Yamal was a standout talent in Barcelona’s famed youth academy, La Masia.
“Barcelona and Lamine Yamal have reached a deal to extend his contract to June 30, 2031.
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“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,” Barcelona said in a statement.
Yamal, who won Euro 2024 with Spain last summer, was described by former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane as an incredible player.
The French professional football manager and former attacking midfielder said: “Lamine Yamal’s second half against Inter. I’ve never seen anything like that in my life!”. To see someone with such control on the pitch, it’s amazing. We all enjoy watching him play”.
Apart from Yamal, Raphinha, and Flick, who have all signed new deals, the club’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny is also set to sign a new contract very soon.
A verbal agreement has been in place with the Polish shot-stopper, who is now expected to remain at the club, as planned since March.
Szczęsny was brought in to cover for the injured Marc-André ter Stegen, initially joining on a short-term deal until 30 June 2025.
Since then, he has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper under Hansi Flick.
He has also turned down a call-up to the Polish national team, choosing instead to concentrate on his club commitments.
