Lamine Yamal makes the difference
There are players who play in matches and others who decide them. Lamine Yamal clearly belongs to the second group. The young Barça talent is the definition of a footballer capable of changing the course of a game in a single moment, breaking down defences, creating advantages where none exist, and providing. Unpredictable, and increasingly the complete footballer, Barça's No. 10 is delivering a season in which, beyond sheer talent, his competitive maturity stands out.
His performance against Copenhagen is the best snapshot of this moment. Lamine stepped onto the pitch determined to take responsibility from the very first minute, and at the most delicate moment, he once again delivered. An assist, a goal, and a man of the match award in an all round excellent performance. He was especially decisive in attack, but also crucial in defence. In fact, Hansi Flick himself pointed this out after the match: "He has been able to adapt even though rivals now send two or three players to mark him." The coach also highlighted his evolution without the ball: "He has not only grown in attack, but also in his defensive work." A reflection of his strong commitment to the team.
Lamine himself acknowledges this step forward. After the match he explained that in the Champions League he feels "freer, happier," and that he is getting used to the constant two‑against‑one situations defences force him into. And even in this demanding context, his influence continues to grow.
Lamine Yamal, in numbers
The stats confirm Lamine's contribution. This season he has already played 27 matches, with 25 starts, 12 goals, and 12 assists. To this, you have to add his natural talent: dribbling. He has completed 142 dribbles out of 272 attempts, an enormous figure that consolidates him as one of Europe's great specialists. In fact, with 94 successful dribbles in domestic competition among the big five leagues, he clearly leads the ranking ahead of players like Doku (62), Mbappé (57), Vinícius (52), and Kudus (52). A level that speaks not only of talent, but of consistency and a real influence on the team's attacking play.
This performance builds on his achievements season, when he played 55 matches (51 as a starter), scoring 18 goals, providing 21 assists, and completing 244 dribbles. Elite stats that placed him among the biggest names in European football.
Awards and more awards
Individual recognition also underlines his current excellent form: La Liga Player of the Month in November and December 2025, and player of the match awards against Copenhagen, Oviedo, Osasuna, and Mallorca. Awards that reflect the undeniable truth: Lamine decides matches.