Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal is on the verge of signing a new contract that will keep him at the Catalan club until 2031, following a highly positive meeting between club president Joan Laporta and the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes. According to sources close to both parties, the final agreement is nearly complete, with only minor details remaining to be finalized.
Lamine Yamal, who is currently under contract until 2026, has long expressed his desire to remain at the club where he has risen through the ranks since childhood. Mendes, who met with Yamal last week in Barcelona, returned on Monday to conclude negotiations with Laporta and the club’s hierarchy. The mood following the discussions was optimistic, with insiders describing the talks as “very constructive” and a formal announcement expected soon after Yamal turns 18 on July 13.
New Terms to Reflect Lamine Yamal’s Growing Influence and Market Value
The new deal, set to run for an unprecedented seven years, is designed to reflect Yamal’s meteoric rise in world football and his increasing importance in new coach Hansi Flick’s system. Because FIFA rules limit contracts signed by underage players to three years, Yamal’s previous deal—signed in 2023—was relatively short. Now eligible for a longer-term agreement, he is set to be rewarded with improved terms that align with his star status.
Laporta has publicly stated that Yamal will receive “special treatment” in recognition of his immense talent and loyalty to the club. As part of this package, Lamine Yamal’s salary will receive a substantial increase. Moreover, the contract includes a performance-based incentive structure, allowing him to earn additional bonuses tied to individual and team achievements—a format Laporta has championed since his first tenure as president.
Incentives Include Ballon d’Or Bonus and Performance Milestones
One standout feature of Yamal’s upcoming contract is a bonus clause tied to winning the Ballon d’Or—football’s most prestigious individual honor. The inclusion of such a clause underscores the belief within Barcelona that Yamal could one day be crowned the world’s best player. The winger’s performances this past season lend weight to that expectation: in 55 appearances, he scored 18 goals and delivered 25 assists.
Lamine Yamal played decisive roles in Barcelona’s domestic treble-winning campaign, contributing key moments in the Champions League semifinal clash with Inter Milan and the LaLiga Clásico against Real Madrid. His ability to influence high-stakes matches has not gone unnoticed, and club officials believe these bonuses will help keep the youngster motivated and focused on continued development.
Rising Through the Ranks: A La Masia Success Story
Lamine Yamal’s journey is a textbook tale of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy bearing fruit. He joined the club at just seven years old and rapidly moved through the youth system, making his first-team debut at the age of 15 under then-coach Xavi Hernández. His rapid ascent has been marked by milestones that few players achieve in a lifetime, let alone before turning 18.
Not only has Yamal become a pivotal figure for Barcelona, but he has also established himself on the international stage. He played an instrumental role in helping Spain lift the European Championship last summer, solidifying his reputation as a generational talent. His contributions have earned him the Kopa Trophy, the Golden Boy award, and the Breakthrough of the Year title at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards.
Barça’s Future Built Around Yamal and a New Generation
Barcelona’s commitment to tying Yamal down until 2031 reflects a broader strategic vision under Laporta and sporting director Deco: building a sustainable future around a core of young, homegrown talents. Yamal joins a cohort of promising players—Pedri, Gavi, Pau Cubarsí, and Raphinha—who have all renewed their contracts in recent months, ensuring continuity and long-term squad stability.
With Flick at the helm and a crop of young stars blossoming, Barça is banking on this generation to restore its dominance in European football. Lamine Yamal, with his dazzling skills, maturity beyond his years, and unwavering dedication to the club, is expected to lead this new era. As his 18th birthday nears, so too does the dawn of a potentially legendary career firmly rooted at Camp Nou.
