Lamine Yamal is experiencing the greatest moment of his young career. At just 19 years old, he has won the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain, achieving a feat that football legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Johan Cruyff, and Neymar never managed to accomplish.
However, Barcelona’s real challenge is only just beginning. Hansi Flick must keep the Spanish sensation motivated and help him reach an even higher level during the 2026/27 season.
Yamal Has Already Won So Much, But Bigger Goals Lie Ahead
Although Yamal has already won multiple La Liga titles with Barcelona and is now a world champion with Spain, his career is still in its infancy. If he maintains his discipline and continues to work hard, he could remain at the highest level for another 15 or even 16 years.
Barcelona’s next major objective is to return to the summit of European football by winning the UEFA Champions League, a trophy the club has not lifted since 2015.
Flick Must Keep Him Grounded
Achieving such enormous success at a young age also brings risks. Fame, off-the-pitch commitments, and constant media attention can negatively affect a player’s development.
This is where Hansi Flick’s experience becomes invaluable. The German coach has a proven track record of managing world-class players, as demonstrated during his time at Bayern Munich, where Robert Lewandowski enjoyed the finest season of his career.
Flick must continue to guide Yamal, keep him humble, and ensure that early success does not distract him from maintaining the highest level of commitment. At the same time, the coach should not make exceptions for him. If Yamal fails to meet the team’s disciplinary standards or tactical demands, he should be treated exactly like every other player.
The Next Step: Winning the Ballon d’Or
Last season, Yamal recorded an outstanding 24 goals and 18 assists in 45 appearances for Barcelona. While those numbers are exceptional, they may not be enough to win the Ballon d’Or.
Competing against stars such as Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappé, the Spanish international will likely need to contribute to more than 50 or 60 goals over the course of the season, including scoring at least 30 goals himself.
Flick’s task will be to help Yamal become even more decisive in the biggest matches and improve his efficiency in front of goal.
Barcelona Will Build Around Him
Following the departure of Robert Lewandowski, Yamal is expected to become the focal point of Barcelona’s attack.
Even if the Catalan club signs Julián Álvarez, expectations remain that Yamal will be the team’s most influential and decisive player.
If Flick succeeds in keeping him motivated, disciplined, and performing at his peak, Barcelona can build their future around the young star and once again become genuine contenders for the UEFA Champions League title.
Ultimately, the objective is clear: to transform Lamine Yamal into Barcelona’s undisputed leader and one of the defining footballers of his generation.
