Barcelona winger, Lamine Yamal, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to former manager Xavi Hernandez for granting him the opportunity to debut for the club.
Yamal’s comments came after he played a pivotal role in helping Barcelona clinch the 2024/25 LaLiga title, scoring two goals in a decisive 2-0 victory over Espanyol.
The win, under the leadership of current manager Hansi Flick, sealed the league title for the Catalan giants.
Speaking after the match, the 17-year-old Spain international reflected on the importance of Xavi in his early development.
“I’d like to thank Xavi. Without him, this was not gonna be possible,” Yamal said, as quoted by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. “He gave us young players the opportunity to make our debuts. I would like to thank him.”
Xavi, a club legend, was instrumental in promoting youth talent during his tenure as Barcelona’s head coach, offering first-team chances to several La Masia graduates, including Yamal.
The teenager’s recognition of Xavi’s influence highlights the lasting legacy the former coach has left at Barcelona, not just as a player, but as a mentor and leader for the club’s next generation of stars.