Spain and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has reflected on his family’s difficult beginnings, saying the hardships his parents endured have shaped the way he views the pressures of professional football.
Speaking about his upbringing, Yamal said his mother was just 16 when she gave birth to him, while his father took on physically demanding work to provide for the family. Compared with their sacrifices, the 19-year-old said, playing football is a privilege rather than a burden.
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“My mom had me when she was 16. My father had to pick things up off the street to bring food home. All I have to do is play,” Yamal said.
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The comments, which have resurfaced following Spain’s recent World Cup triumph, have drawn praise from fans for highlighting the resilience of his family and the perspective he brings to the game despite his rapid rise to football’s biggest stage.
The Jamia Times