“The future is now!” The contract extension with Lamine Yamal is official. The 17-year-old FC Barcelona player has extended his contract, which was originally set to expire in 2026, until 2031.
FC Barcelona has secured its most important player for the coming years with a long-term contract – announced in style on X with the words “The future is now.” Lamine Yamal’s original contract, which was due to expire in 2026, has been extended by five years until June 30, 2031.
The fact that Lamine Yamal’s original professional contract was only valid for one more year was due to his age. As the 2024 European champion was only 15 years old when the contract was signed in 2023, he was only allowed to extend it by three years for legal reasons. However, the striker will come of age on July 13, which is why the Catalans were now able to seal the deal. According to reports, this will be accompanied by a huge increase in salary. Negotiations with club bosses, including president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, were led by renowned player agent Jorge Mendes.
Lamine Yamal, whom Hansi Flick’s FCB described in its official statement as “the key to success,” , made his first appearance on the big stage of European top-flight football at the end of April 2023, when he came on as a substitute in the 4-0 league win against Real Betis at the age of 15 years, nine months, and 16 days, becoming the youngest player in Barcelona’s history to play in the league and the fifth-youngest ever.
In October 2023, at the age of 16 years and 87 days, he became the youngest goalscorer in La Liga. Shortly before that, he had also made his debut for the Spanish national team in a 7-1 win over Georgia, scoring immediately – once again breaking age records.
Two-time champion, one-time European champion
The technically gifted left-footed player has also won plenty of trophies. He was one of the key players in the Seleccion’s European Championship victory, and last season he won the mini treble with FC Barcelona in the form of the league title, the cup and the Super Cup. As mentioned, he also played in the 2023 Spanish title win.
At just 17 years of age, Lamine Yamal has already made 73 La Liga appearances (14 goals), 23 Champions League appearances (five goals) and 19 international appearances for the Spanish senior team (four goals). Much more will follow, FC Barcelona is certain: “Lamine Yamal has already played a decisive role in so many victories for the Blaugrana, including the four Clásico triumphs this season. In recent months, he has also received further individual awards: Lamine won the Golden Boy Trophy, the Kopa Trophy and was recognized at the Laureus Awards.”
