In a candid conversation with ESPN, the young Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal offered a glimpse into his life beyond the football pitch, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining a sense of normalcy despite his rising stardom. The prodigy, whose talents have captivated fans, revealed the ordinary routines and simple pleasures that define his days away from the spotlight.
Yamal described his post-football hours as remarkably routine, engaging in activities typical for any 18-year-old. He detailed spending time with friends, looking after his younger brother, playing on his PlayStation, and going out for leisurely walks. This conscious effort to lead a balanced life, as he explained, is integral to his approach for managing the pressures inherent to top-level football.
Separating Football from Daily Life
Elaborating on his methodology for handling matchday stress, Yamal articulated a deliberate strategy of compartmentalization. He strives to avoid an excessive focus on football during his personal time, choosing not to constantly dwell on upcoming games or study videos of the full-back he might face. “I try to be with my friends and live my life,” he stated, underscoring his intent to fully enjoy his day. His philosophy is clear: he gives his absolute maximum on the field, but upon leaving it, he attempts to completely disconnect from the sport.
This desire for a normal existence extended to a hypothetical scenario where fame was absent. Yamal painted a picture of an ideal day, starting with having breakfast outdoors. In the afternoon, he envisioned playing a casual football match at a local park, specifically mentioning the Rocafonda Sports Center, followed by a bike or scooter ride with his circle of friends. “These are normal things,” he remarked, highlighting the simplicity of his aspirations.
The conversation also turned to lighter, nostalgic topics, including his childhood entertainment. Yamal recalled that, due to the difficulty of acquiring gaming consoles at the time, his primary source of fun was Pokémon cards. “At school we played with cards,” he shared. “We didn’t have the possibility to buy a PlayStation or a Nintendo, so we played with cards that were worth one euro.”
Embracing the playful theme, Yamal even assigned Pokémon personas to some of his teammates. He revealed his own favorite is Zygarde. For his colleagues, he likened the blond Dani Olmo to Pikachu, while he sees Robert Lewandowski as resembling Charizard, citing the striker’s distinct charisma and commanding presence.
In a humorous admission that contrasted with his on-pitch precision, Yamal confessed to abandoning his brief foray into culinary arts. He disclosed that he initially tried learning to cook but ultimately left it behind. “The truth is I left it because it’s not my thing, but because I was terribly bad at it,” he said with candor. “The most I can prepare is some chicken pieces with potatoes.” This revelation, shared on ESPN, further cemented the image of a global football talent who, off the field, is still navigating the everyday learning curves of young adulthood.