Young footballer Lamine Yamal has set a new record as the youngest debutant in FC Barcelona’s history in Spain’s La Liga by taking the field at the age of 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days in the 4-0 win over Betis. This feat has surpassed the mark that had stood since the 1940s and belonged to Vicenç Martínez, who made his debut with the main team at 16 years, 9 months, and 5 days. The third youngest debutant in the team is Ansu Fati, who made his debut at just 16 years, nine months, and 25 days.
Lamine entered the Camp Nou pitch in the 83rd minute in place of Gavi, when Barça was already leading 4-0 against Betis, and came close to scoring the fifth goal but was unable to beat goalkeeper Rui Silva (86th). According to Xavi Hernandez, the team’s coach, Lamine has innate talent in three quarters of the field and seems more mature than his age. “He has shown himself; he played 10 minutes well. He can mark a stage in the team,” Xavi added.
Lamine also made history on April 23 when he became the youngest player to be called up to the first team for a match against Atletico Madrid. Teammate Raphinha said Lamine will be a very important player for the club in the future. Although Lamine is the youngest debutant in La Liga, he is the second-youngest debutant in an official match for FC Barcelona. The first place is held by Albert Almasqué, who in November 1902 played an official match in the Macaya Cup at the age of 13 years, 11 months, and 6 days.