Dubai, UAE - In an unexpected turn of events, Barcelona's rising star, Lamine Yamal, traded the Camp Nou for the sandy shores of Dubai during his Christmas break, joining an impromptu pickup game with local children. The 18-year-old winger, currently enjoying a mid-season respite, is in the UAE to attend the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards gala on December 28th.
Yamal's heartwarming gesture occurred on Christmas Eve, as he took time out to participate in a casual match with a group of youngsters on one of Dubai's beaches. Accompanied by close friends Moha and Soha, the Barcelona No. 10 showcased his impressive skills, captivating the children with his technical prowess and dazzling dribbles. Videos and images of the impromptu kickabout quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread admiration for the young footballer's humility and genuine love for the game.
"Lamine's spontaneous gesture on the Dubai beach perfectly captures his humble character and genuine love for football," remarked one observer. The chance encounter created unforgettable memories for the children involved, providing them with a unique opportunity to play alongside one of football's brightest young talents. Yamal also took time to pose for photos with the children, creating lasting keepsakes from the special day.
This has been a stellar year for Yamal, who has become an integral part of both the Barcelona squad and the Spanish national team. In 2024, he played a crucial role in Spain's UEFA European Championship victory and also secured a domestic treble with Barcelona. Individually, Yamal's outstanding performances earned him the Kopa Trophy for best U23 player and a runner-up finish in the Ballon d'Or rankings.
So far this season, Yamal has continued to shine, amassing nine goals and eleven assists in 20 appearances across all competitions. Despite a minor setback due to pubalgia, the young winger has remained a key figure in Barcelona's attack. Just recently, Yamal scored the decisive goal in Barcelona's 2-0 victory against Villarreal, further solidifying their position at the top of the La Liga table.
Off the pitch, Yamal has also been making waves. He recently signed a lucrative contract extension with Barcelona, potentially reaching a value of $45.3 million per year, cementing his status as one of the club's highest-paid players. He was also honored with the prestigious number 10 jersey, previously worn by Ansu Fati.
Yamal's trip to Dubai coincides with Barcelona's holiday break, with the team scheduled to resume training on December 29th at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. The young player is expected to enjoy a few more days of relaxation in Dubai before returning to Barcelona to prepare for the second half of the season. He is also nominated for the Best Men's Player award at the Globe Soccer Awards. It appears that club president Joan Laporta will be joining Yamal at the awards ceremony.
Yamal's impromptu beach soccer game in Dubai exemplifies the beautiful side of football – a superstar connecting with the next generation and sharing his passion for the sport. As he continues to make strides both on and off the field, the future looks incredibly bright for this young Barcelona prodigy.
