Barcelona Extends Yamal's Contract for €15 Million
On Tuesday, Spanish club Barcelona extended the contract of first-team winger Lamine Yamal until 2031, for €15 million per year, according to press sources.
The club explained in a statement: "Barcelona and Lamine Yamal have reached an agreement to renew his contract, which will bind him to the club until June 30, 2031."
The club added: "The renewal of Lamine Yamal's contract is a confirmation of the solidity of the Barcelona project. His brilliance on the world football stage is unparalleled among only a handful of players, and this began in his first official match, specifically on April 29, 2023, when he was 15 years old."
Spanish newspapers noted that the 17-year-old Yamal, of Moroccan origin, has become one of Barcelona's highest-paid players after his contract renewal. The striker joined Barcelona's La Masia academy at the age of seven and was promoted to the first team in July 2023. He has become a key member of the team that won the domestic treble this season, including the Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, and La Liga.
Lamine has made 106 appearances for the first team, setting numerous records, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the history of the three Spanish competitions, as well as the youngest player to make 100 appearances for the club.
During his short career with Barcelona, Lamine has scored 25 goals and provided 34 assists, winning four titles. His partnership on the right flank with French full-back Jules Kounde is already a major source of success for the team, and his ability to find the final pass or shoot from long range makes him a significant threat in attack.
At the international level, Yamal has become a key player at the age of 16 years and one month, contributing significantly to the team's Euro 2024 title win thanks to his goalscoring and assists. He has made 19 appearances.
In recent months, he has received a succession of individual awards, winning the Golden Boy Award, the Copa America Award, and the Laureus World Young Sportsman of the Year Award. He is also a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or.
Although the club has not announced any financial details regarding Yamal's new contract, Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that the player's new salary could reach approximately €15 million per season, making him the third-highest paid player at the club, behind Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong.
This figure represents a significant jump from his current contract, which pays him €5 million per season starting on July 13, when he officially turns 18.
The contract, according to the newspaper, also includes several performance-related bonuses, which could raise his salary to €20 million per year.