Lamine Yamal looks dejected during a match as former Spain coach Javier Clemente warns him to stay focused
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has received a stern warning from former Spain manager Javier Clemente, who cautioned the teenager to focus on his football and personal discipline if he hopes to enjoy a long and successful career.
The comments come amid growing controversy over Yamal’s recent withdrawal from the Spanish national team squad due to a groin injury — a move that reignited tensions between Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Speaking to Spanish radio show Què T’hi Jugues, Clemente praised Yamal’s immense talent but warned that poor off-field behavior could cut his career short.
“As a player, he is very good,” Clemente said. “But if in his personal life he does not behave correctly as an athlete, he will not last long. That is clear. They are not going to allow it.”
The ex-Spain coach added that opponents have already begun to study Yamal closely, meaning the young forward will now face tighter marking and more physical games as his reputation grows.
“He will have very special markings and surveillance. He’s brilliant, but he won’t look as attractive on the pitch as before because rivals now know how to handle him,” he explained.
Despite his strong remarks about Yamal’s attitude, Clemente refused to take sides in the ongoing feud between Barcelona and the Spanish Federation over how the 18-year-old’s injury situation was handled.
He dismissed the public exchanges as “cockfighting” and advised that such issues be handled behind closed doors:
“Barcelona is a very important club for the national team. Neither Barça nor the Federation should be fighting in public — these matters should stay inside.”
Lamine Yamal has been hailed as one of the brightest young talents in world football, already breaking records at both Barcelona and Spain despite his age. However, as Clemente’s warning suggests, the spotlight comes with pressure — and only focus and discipline will ensure his potential turns into legacy.
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