Barcelona superstar’s childhood friend backs him to become the best in the world: ‘Since he was six’
· Yahoo Sports
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Lamine Yamal may be just 19 years old, but he has already achieved more in football than most people do in their entire careers.
He has already achieved extraordinary things at Barcelona, but one of the people who has known him longest believes the 19-year-old can climb even higher.
As quoted by SPORT, Lamine’s childhood best friend, Sohaib, spoke about their relationship during an appearance on the Spanish television programme TardeAR, revealing that the pair have been close since meeting as children in Rocafonda.
Lamine’s talent was obvious at six
Sohaib explained that Lamine’s remarkable football ability was already noticeable when they were very young.
“Since he was six years old, he played football and you could already see what he had,” Sohaib said.
“I have told him that, if he wants, he is going to be the best in the world, but he has to know it.”
Lamine Yamal has set the expectations sky high for his career. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
That is a huge prediction, but Lamine has already turned expectations that once sounded unrealistic into genuine possibilities.
He is Barcelona’s No. 10 and one of the central figures in Hansi Flick’s project despite still being a teenager.
Fame has not changed the Barcelona star
Perhaps more encouraging for Barça is what Sohaib said about Lamine away from football.
“Whenever we can, we are together… he’s like my brother,” he explained.
Lamine Yamal still maintains his humble beginnings from Rocafonda. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
According to his friend, the enormous attention surrounding Lamine has not changed the person he knew growing up.
“He talks about what he talked about before, he’s the same as always, nothing has changed and this is what his family has instilled in him. He’s humble, from the neighbourhood, he hasn’t become big-headed,” he explained.
The story behind his 304 celebration
Sohaib also revealed that he suggested Lamine’s now familiar 304 celebration, referencing the final three digits of Rocafonda’s 08304 postcode.
“It was the Copa del Rey at youth level. We were in the neighbourhood and he wanted to make a statement. Then I told him to do the 304 because we always say that number,” Sohaib recalled.
“It looked good on him and he kept it.”
Sohaib’s words provide an insight into Lamine’s football talent, but also the character that has stayed with him from a young age.
Lamine is just getting started in his football career, and people like Sohaib are waiting in anticipation to see whether the Spaniard becomes the best player in the world.
He does not seem far away from reaching that stage, and it remains to be seen how the rest of his career plays out.