Former LaLiga Star Claims Lamine Yamal Is Facing the Toughest Year of His Career

Former LaLiga star Santiago Canizares has claimed Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is going through the most pivotal phase of his young career. 

Canizares has warned that Yamal not only has to match his performances from last season, but also handle societal expectations and economic changes.

Barcelona Forward Lamine Yamal Is Already a Star at 18

Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal has been rewriting the history book since making his professional debut.

At 18, Yamal has outshone Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland and is already the youngest major trophy winner in international football. According to CIES, he is valued at €343 million, making him the most valuable player in world football.

The 2024/25 season was the finest of Yamal’s career, as he scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists in 55 matches across competitions.

pic.twitter.com/MB96ZJSPAt

— FCB World (@Forca_Fcb) January 11, 2026

With Barcelona’s record-breaking win over Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana, Yamal has taken his career trophy haul to six. No 18-year-old in history has had a more explosive start.

In less than six months, he will represent Spain at the FIFA World Cup. An impressive campaign could see him emerge as a strong contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Yamal Told He Is Set to Face the Most Challenging Year

The football world anticipates great things from Lamine Yamal. While he has already exceeded expectations, Santiago Canizares has warned that the road ahead will be even more challenging.

Speaking with Juanma Castano, he explained (via MARCA):

“I believe that Lamine Yamal is in the most difficult year of his career, because it’s a year of confirmation.

“He has to confirm everything he did last year; it’s very difficult because he shone at a very high level, and it’s a year of profound changes, on a social level, on an economic level, on a… A new life.”

The former Valencia goalkeeper said he had seen great players suffer at Yamal’s age.

“I’ve seen great players go through a very tough time in that year, where everything is different and where your personal life has changed, because society doesn’t allow you not to change, right?

“You can’t go have a beer here anymore, or go have a Coca-Cola there, or walk the dog in the park.”

Yamal has continued to shine on the pitch, but controversies have followed him off it.

He has received criticism for questioning Real Madrid’s ethics, for the supposed lack of humility, and for his extravagant parties.

: The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain will take legal action against Lamine Yamal for hiring people with dwarfism as entertainment for his birthday party. pic.twitter.com/bWxbahWld7

— The Touchline | (@TouchlineX) July 13, 2025

After his 18th birthday party, there were allegations of dwarf exploitation, leading to an investigation from the Spanish government. Nothing damaging has come from the probe.

Many football pundits have asked him to be more grounded and focus on his football. Barcelona, however, are thrilled with Yamal and are unlikely to intervene as long as he keeps firing on all cylinders.