Lamine Yamal has spoken about the unique mindset that helps him perform on the grandest stages of football without succumbing to pressure. The Barcelona starlet, whose rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular, says his calmness comes from doing something that has been a part of his life since childhood.

No jitters for the La Masia graduate

Even at just 18 years old, carrying the hopes of both his club and country, Yamal remains remarkably composed under the spotlight of international football. He offered a light-hearted explanation of why the tension of a high-stakes El Clasico or major tournament doesn’t faze him, contrasting his current career with the worries of a more conventional job.

Yamal explained that the football field is where he feels most comfortable, which eliminates the fear of failure that often affects other players. “I’d be nervous if I were doing something I didn’t know how to do. If I had a regular job, for example – I’ve never had one, so I’d probably be scared of getting it wrong. But football is what I’ve always done; it’s what I know best. So I just try to enjoy it. Seeing my parents in the stands, knowing how proud they are, makes everything easier. It’s a really good feeling,” Yamal told FIFA.

The superhero feeling

Yamal is rapidly emerging as the new face of Barcelona’s next generation, and the teenager admits that when he hits top form, he feels almost unstoppable. As he prepares to represent Spain at the upcoming World Cup, the forward spoke about the physical and mental transformation that happens when he reaches his peak on the pitch.

For Yamal, sustaining this high level of play depends heavily on his emotions and his ability to express himself freely through creativity. “I always say it’s like being a superhero – everything just fits perfectly. I’m quicker, stronger, full of adrenaline. I feel like nothing can stop me. I’d love to reach that level during the World Cup,” Yamal said.

Creativity and pure enjoyment of football

While many players find it challenging to perform under the tactical rigidity of modern football, Yamal thrives when given the freedom to be creative. He admitted that his performances on the wings for both Barcelona and Spain are closely linked to how much enjoyment he feels during a game, adding that a lack of fun can lead to a decline in his overall performance.

“My game depends a lot on creativity, and when I’m not enjoying myself, it shows. Everything feels a bit duller, less inspired. But when I’m happy, like I was during the EURO, everything just clicks and I feel freer,” he explained.

Staying humble at Barcelona

Even though Yamal describes his matchday persona as that of a “superhero,” he remains grounded in his day-to-day life at Barcelona. He credits his family and the environment at La Masia for keeping him focused on his growth and not getting carried away by fame. For the young winger, the priority is always on improving his game rather than chasing attention.

He concluded: “I know I’m still young and there’s a lot for me to learn. My family keeps me humble and reminds me every day where I come from. Staying focused is important because in football, things can change very quickly. I just want to keep working hard, enjoy my football, and make the fans happy whenever I play for Barca or Spain.”