BARCELONA: Barcelona striker Lamine Yamal has made the Champions League trophy his main target this season after admitting that success on the European stage is the only trophy he still lacks in his collection.
The 19-year-old said Barcelona will give everything to make this dream come true, especially after the Catalan club strengthened the squad with several new players.
“There is no greater motivation than the Champions League because that is the trophy I still have to win. We will give everything to win it.
“Good players have arrived like Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Rodri,” he said at a media conference today.
Yamal’s desire comes as Barcelona tries to end an 11-year wait to lift the prestigious European trophy again.
Barcelona came close to ending that drought in 2025, but were eliminated in the semi-finals after losing to Inter Milan in extra time.
More interestingly, Yamal was also given leadership responsibilities at a young age when he was chosen by his teammates as one of three vice-captains, along with Eric Garcia and Frenkie de Jong.
Manager Hansi Flick previously selected Raphinha and Pedri to complete the team’s five captains.
Yamal admitted that the appointment was quite meaningful to him, but he was aware that greater responsibility awaited him even though he was only 19 years old.
“It’s something to be proud of at the age of 19. I’m very grateful to my teammates.
“It’s a position that comes with responsibility, even though I’m only 19 years old, but I’m very happy,” he said.
The youngest record for wearing the Barcelona captain’s armband was previously held by Bojan Krkic who did it in 2010 at the age of 20 years and 56 days.
Meanwhile, Flick stressed that Barcelona is always ready to adapt its playing approach according to the opponent, although the team’s aggressive identity remains fundamental.
“We always adapt our playing style according to the opponent. Maybe not too much, but when needed.
“We have our own style and it has been very successful over the last two seasons,” said the German coach.
Barcelona will begin this season’s Champions League campaign by facing Feyenoord at Camp Nou, early this Thursday morning.