Sunday marks teenage superstar Lamine Yamal’s 18th birthday and, after another astonishing year that saw the youngster catapult himself onto world football’s centre stage, his astonishing net worth has moved some way to reflecting that.
The youngster is expected to take the vacated No10 shirt from Ansu Fati, who recently left the club to join AS Monaco, in a move that will lead to further comparisons to Lionel Messi, with the teenager already dubbed ‘the next Messi’ by the media.
He was defiant to these comparisons, however, stating: "I don't compare myself with him, I don't want to compare myself with anyone, and even less with Messi. That's something I leave to you.
"He is the best player in football's history. I am making my own way."
Lamine Yamal could be about to move from No19 to No10, the same move made by Lionel Messi
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Incredibly, he made his debut for Barcelona at the age of just 15, with his stock rising exponentially from there.
Since then, the now-18-year-old has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the Catalan club, with 55 of those coming last season.
Along with former Leeds winger Raphinha, he has led the revolution of Barcelona, as they have re-established themselves as a major European force after their recent years in the wilderness due to financial mismanagement.
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Raphinha and Lamine Yamal have been tremendous on either flank for Barcelona this season
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Last season, Hansi Flick’s side won a domestic treble, with the Spaniard scoring 18 goals and providing 25 assists in the process.
Despite losing an astonishing two-legged tie against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final, he continued to shine by providing moments of sheer brilliance, as he continued to deploy his trademark move of cutting in onto his left foot from the right wing.
His goal showreel will already beat many veterans, but the best is surely to come from him.
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Many supporters may remember him announcing himself as a household name after scoring a spectacular strike for Spain during their triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, adding yet another title to his still infant trophy cabinet.
The two-time La Liga champion secured a new deal at Barcelona towards the end of the season, with his contract due to expire in 2026.
The details turned out to be astonishing, with the teenager now reportedly earning in the region of £250,000-a-week, making him one of Barcelona’s top earners, while he also has a £750million release clause.
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Lamine Yamal signed a new contract with his boyhood club at the end of last season, keeping him there until 2031
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But that’s just basic salary, and with performance-related bonuses, the teenager can expect to earn in the region of £330,000-a-week, meaning his net worth in the coming months will soar.
Along with major sponsorship deals with Adidas, Visa and Beats by Dre, the Spaniard has seen his net worth now surpass £6m.
And as the 18-year-old continues to grow, he can expect to see this figure rise.
His growth and progress on the pitch has been remarkable, represented by his very real chance to win the Ballon d’Or this year, just his second full season in the senior squad.
Not just his contention for the prestigious award, but the teenager now sees himself as the most valuable football player on the planet, reaching a valuation in the region of £170m.
If Barcelona can reach, or surpass, the feats achieved last season, and their next starboy can continue on the path of his extraordinary trajectory, the sky really is the limit on and off the pitch.
But, it must be remembered that there was still disappointment for the teenager and Barcelona last year: the club faltered in the Champions League semi-final, despite brilliance from Yamal across both legs of their clash with Inter Milan.