Lamine Yamal says his competitive mentality would lead him to challenge even swimming great Michael Phelps, while the Barcelona forward has set his sights on winning multiple Champions League titles and continuing to collect major individual honours.
The 19-year-old made the comments in an interview with Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, where he discussed his ambitions with Barcelona and Spain, his efforts to improve his game and the lessons he learned after suffering a groin injury last season.
Yamal said he does not approach competition expecting to lose, regardless of the quality of the opponent. He used Phelps, the American Olympic swimming champion, as an example of the confidence he carries into challenges.
“I never doubt myself. I always jokingly tell my friends: If I had to run a race, for example, if I went to the swimming pool to face Michael Phelps, I would tell him: I would definitely beat you.”
The Barcelona player added: “I believe I am always capable of winning, even if it is 100% clear that I am going to lose.”
Yamal also spoke about his approach to development, saying he remains focused on improving different parts of his game rather than being satisfied with his current level.
“I try to work on everything. The good thing about being a young player like me is that you can always learn; you still have a lot of time ahead of you.”
He identified free-kicks as one of the areas he is currently working on, while also highlighting finishing and other aspects of his game.
“At the moment, I’m practicing free kicks. I know I have room to improve in that area. In fact, I’m working on all aspects: finishing, and everything the coach sees that I can improve.”
Yamal also explained how he sets personal targets at the beginning of each season. His aim is to improve on his previous numbers rather than simply repeat them.
“At the beginning of each season, I always try to outdo myself.”
He added: “I tell myself: if I did 200 dribbles last season, I will try to do 300 this season. And if I scored 20 goals, I will try to score 30.”
The forward said winning more trophies with Barcelona remains one of his main objectives and that he is also working on becoming more effective in attacking areas.
“I want to win more titles, and I want to win with Barcelona. It’s true that I started the season very well. I’m also trying to get closer to the penalty area, run more, and continue to improve.”
Yamal’s experience with injury has also changed his approach to his career away from the pitch. He said the groin problem he suffered last season made him recognise the importance of taking greater care of his body.
“I was thinking: I’m young, nothing can happen to me, I can’t get hurt, I’m like a piece of plastic. But I realized that’s not the case; you have to take good care of yourself.”
He added: “All of that helped me become the person I am now. I always try to go to a physiotherapist, sleep early, and eat better.”
The Barcelona forward has also set significant targets for his club career. He wants to add several La Liga titles to his collection and win the Champions League for the first time.
“I have won 3 La Liga titles, and in my mind I want to win at least 7 or 8. I hope to win many of them. I have not yet won the Champions League title ; and I want to win it.”
Yamal then outlined an even bigger European ambition, pointing to consecutive Champions League triumphs.
“If I win one title, knowing that Paris Saint-Germain (of France) won two consecutive titles, I want to win three consecutive titles,” similar to the historic achievement of Real Madrid of Spain between 2016 and 2018.
His ambitions also extend to the Ballon d’Or, with Yamal saying that winning the award once would only increase his desire to claim it again.
“If I don’t win the Ballon d’Or, I have to win it the following year. And if I win it, I want to win five more.”
The comments underline the scale of the targets Yamal has set for himself as he continues his development at Barcelona, with the teenager making clear that his ambitions extend beyond improving his own performances to winning major honours with his club.
