Lamine Yamal opens up on his personal growth and maturity: ‘The happier I am, the better I perform’

At 19 years old, FC Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has established himself as one of the best footballers in the globe.

The teenage sensation has already tasted enormous success both at the club level and the international level, most recently winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain.

Now, he is one of the strongest contenders to win the Ballon d'Or , the biggest individual honour in football.

Given his meteoric rise at a tender age, Lamine attracts a lot of attention and pressure. But the youngster has shown great maturity and personal growth, having had to progress through such stages at a very early phase in his career.

In a recent interview with TVE (h/t SPORT ), the La Masia forward acknowledged that he is becoming more professional and focused on becoming the best player in the game.

"I am being more professional, and that was something that was a little difficult for me too. In the end, when you are 17 there are things that, when you are 19, you say, 'I have to be like this'," explained Lamine.

One of the best in the world. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

"I think you can notice it," Lamine added when discussing his maturity and his greater personal balance.

"The happier I am, the better I perform," admitted the Barcelona academy graduate, who is currently with the Spain squad as they begin their UEFA Nations League campaign.

On Barcelona's new signings and start to the season

Lamine also praised the Barcelona team, particularly the new arrivals, who have adapted quickly to Hansi Flick's ways.

"Gordon, who has fitted in very well, Rodri , Adeyemi… they are performing at a very high level," the teenager said.

"We have arrived in very good physical condition," he added, highlighting another feature of Barça's impressive start to the season.

Lamine very happy with the start Barcelona have made. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Continuing, Lamine noted: "The more time the manager spends with us, the more we understand each other, and the players do too."

Staying away from Real Madrid 's controversies

Lamine Yamal also demonstrated the maturity he had been discussing by refusing to get involved in the latest controversies surrounding Real Madrid, including the disputes involving Jose Mourinho and the club's conflicts with journalists and referees.

For Lamine, the priority is Barcelona and enjoying the team's current form.

"I am not really following it, to be honest. I am not very interested. As long as Barça keep winning, there is nothing to talk about, only our football and our victories," he said.

The Barcelona forward is therefore keeping his focus on his own team and its strong collective start to the campaign, rather than becoming involved in the issues surrounding their rivals.