In a rather unconventional piece of advice, former Atletico Madrid star Paulo Futre has suggested that Barcelona's young prodigy, Lamine Yamal, should get a girlfriend to enhance his professional focus. The suggestion, made on Spanish television, has stirred considerable debate, pivoting on the relationship between personal life and professional performance.
Futre, drawing from his own experience, believes that a stable romantic relationship can positively influence a young footballer's career. He stated that meeting his partner led him to become a more dedicated professional, reducing distractions and increasing his sense of responsibility. According to Futre, "Lamine Yamal is young (18 years old), and it is important that he has a girlfriend. When I met the mother of my children, I started to be a professional footballer 100%. I didn't go out as much as I used to. From then on, I started to have weight in the Porto dressing room, because I was more responsible".
Yamal, who had been linked to Argentine pop star Nicki Nicole, recently confirmed their separation. The Barcelona teenager addressed rumors of infidelity, stating, "We are not together, but has not been because of any infidelity. We have simply separated and that's it. Everything that is coming out has nothing to do with our relationship. I have not been unfaithful to him nor have I been with another person". Their relationship, which began around Yamal's 18th birthday, saw Nicole frequently attending Barcelona matches and sharing moments on social media.
Prior to his relationship with Nicole, Yamal had also been linked with influencer Alex Padilla. The public nature of Yamal's relationships has often placed him in the media spotlight, with his personal life becoming a topic of discussion.
Despite the breakup and the external attention, Yamal has continued to perform at a high level for Barcelona. Even with an injury issue this season, he has played 13 matches in La Liga, scoring six goals and providing seven assists.
Other football figures have also offered advice to the young player. Luis Suarez, the former Barcelona striker, had earlier encouraged Yamal to "continue to enjoy himself and continue to gain experience in order to continue to improve". Suarez acknowledged Yamal's maturity and impact, emphasizing the importance of continued learning and enjoyment in his career.
Adding to the guidance, tennis star Rafael Nadal has also shared his thoughts, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right influences and support network. Nadal highlighted that managing success, especially at a young age, requires careful navigation and a strong understanding of one's environment.
