Lamine Yamal has had a meteoric rise over the past 18 months, and the man who started it all (into the Barcelona first team) was Xavi Hernandez. The former head coach handed the 17-year-old his debut against Real Betis in April 2023 when he was just 15, making him the club's youngest ever player.
Since then, Lamine Yamal has become a world-class player and was recently awarded the 2024 Golden Boy award. It was Tuttosport who awarded him that honor, and they released a video of Xavi congratulating the teenager, according to MD.
“Lamine – congratulations, well deserved, very happy for you. I hope you don't slack off. All the best, friend. (I'm giving you) a big hug.”
Xavi has done a lot of good work in helping several Barcelona youngsters find their way into the first team, with Lamine Yamal joined by the likes of Pau Cubarsi and Fermin Lopez. Hansi Flick has continued that good work.
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