Sports
Barcelona Lock Down Lamine Yamal Until 2031 in Record-Breaking Contract Extension
At just 17, Lamine Yamal signs a long-term deal with Barcelona—becoming one of the club’s top earners and solidifying his superstar status.
FC Barcelona has officially secured the future of one of football’s brightest talents, Lamine Yamal, by extending his contract until the summer of 2031. The announcement, made Tuesday, marks a historic moment for the Catalan club as they commit long-term to the 17-year-old sensation who has already become a cornerstone of both club and country.
Yamal, who rose through the ranks of the famed La Masia academy, made his senior debut in April 2023. Since then, he has taken the footballing world by storm—earning praise for his electrifying dribbling, sharp playmaking, and clinical finishing. In the 2024–25 season alone, Yamal notched 18 goals and led La Liga with 13 assists, playing a pivotal role in Barcelona’s domestic treble: La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
The young star’s decision to renew comes as little surprise after he openly declared his loyalty to the Blaugrana at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards. “Barça is the club of my life,” Yamal said. “I want to play in the Spanish league. I want to play for Barça, and yes, I will renew my contract.”
Although official figures have not been disclosed, multiple Spanish outlets report that Yamal’s new deal places him among the club’s top earners, with an annual post-tax salary nearing €19 million ($21.5 million). A subtle nod to that number appeared on Yamal’s father’s Instagram story, showing a celebratory post with the figure “19.3” prominently displayed.
The contract was signed in the presence of Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco. The club’s social media celebrated the milestone with a poignant reminder: “In 2031, Lamine Yamal will only be 23.” It’s a chilling thought for defenders across Europe, as Yamal continues to redefine expectations for teenage footballers.
On the international stage, Yamal has been equally dazzling. He was instrumental in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph, scoring against France in the semifinals and assisting the winning goal in the final against England. His Champions League semifinal performance against Inter Milan—though not enough to secure a final berth—was hailed as one of the best of the tournament.
Managed by former Germany boss Hansi Flick, Barcelona is in a period of aggressive rebuild and resurgence, and Lamine Yamal is clearly at the heart of those plans. “It’s true that things have happened very quickly,” the young star said. “But I only think of the future. As my mother says, ‘Always enjoy the moment because everything goes by so quickly.’”
With 106 senior appearances already under his belt and a career trajectory that seems limitless, Yamal’s extension doesn’t just secure a footballer—it anchors a new era at Camp Nou.