The club said the contract extension for Yamal demonstrates the solidity of the current Barcelona project
Barcelona have officially secured the long-term future of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, announcing a contract extension that will keep the 17-year-old winger at the club until June 2031.
The agreement, finalised on Monday, includes a significant salary increase and performance-related clauses. If Yamal meets these clauses, such as winning the Ballon d’Or, he could become the highest earner in the Barcelona squad.
Sporting director Deco described extending Yamal’s contract as “the best signing” the club have made in years, while president Joan Laporta said the La Masia graduate was a “genius” and deserved “special treatment”.
Yamal has had a standout season, contributing 18 goals and 25 assists across 55 appearances to help the club to a domestic treble and a first appearance in the Champions League semi-finals since 2019. His performances have also made him a leading candidate for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Internationally, the 17-year-old has already made 19 appearances for the Spanish national team, scoring four goals. He was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, becoming the youngest player to score or assist in the quarterfinals, semifinals and final of a single edition of the tournament.
Laporta said that Barcelona have the best project for Yamal’s abilities, comparing it to their project with Messi, which saw the Argentine stay 20 years at the club and become the best player on the planet.
The club said: “A contract extension for Lamine Yamal is another demonstration of the solidity of the current Barca project.
“The Barca forward made his debut for the first team on 29 April 2023, at the age of just 15 and since then the lad from Mataro near Barcelona has exploded on to the stage that is world football with performances that are already part of FC Barcelona history.”
