La Masia has been an instrumental factor in Barcelona’s success in Europe, producing numerous world-class players during the early 2000s.
In the year 2010, La Masia achieved a remarkable feat by training all three finalists for the Ballon d’Or: Andrés Iniesta, Lionel Messi, and Xavi.
Recently, the academy has had a significant impact on Gavi, Ansu Fati, and Alejandro Balde as they have already solidified their place in the first team due to their incredible talent despite being teenagers.
And now, the attention has turned to Barcelona’s teenage record-breaker Lamine Yamal.
The excitement surrounding the 16-year-old following his recent feat is both understandable and laudable.
On Friday, September 8, Lamine Yamal achieved two remarkable milestones in his career on his debut in Spain’s 7-1 satisfying victory over Georgia in the European Championship qualifier.
Not only did he become Spain’s youngest-ever player, but he also became La Roja’s youngest goalscorer by finding the back of the net against Georgia.
During the match, the teenager surpassed the records previously held by his Barcelona teammates Gavi and Ansu Fati, becoming Spain’s youngest-ever player and youngest goalscorer.
In the 44th minute, the 16-year-old surpassed Gavi’s record and became the youngest player to make his debut with La Roja.
Lamal became the youngest player ever to appear in a Spain shirt at the age of just 16 years and 57 days beating Gavi’s record of 17 years and 62 days.
However, the excitement got louder when he became the youngest player ever to score for Spain as he scored the final goal in a 7-1 rout for the visiting team in Tbilisi.
Lamine Yamal has achieved the goal of breaking Ansu Fati’s record and has now become Spain’s youngest scorer at the age of 16 years and 57 days.
Spain secured a resounding victory in the match, with Alvaro Morata scoring a hat-trick while Dani Olmo and Nico Williams also found the back of the net.
Gavi played for only 58 minutes during the match, whereas Ansu Fati was unused while Alejandro Balde remained on the bench as an unused substitute.
However, it is La Masia’s pride Lamine Yamal who will be grabbing most of the headlines due to his historic debut in what appears like an amazing way to begin his international career.
Yamal has demonstrated his remarkable abilities to everyone within just a few games played so far.
His young age doesn’t just show in his deftness of touch or confidence, but also in his maturity to recognize when to beat his opponent or when to make a simple, square pass.
Influence of La Masia Academy on Barcelona’s future
While Ansu Fati is currently at Brighton on loan, Gavi, Balde, and Lamine have successfully revitalized La Masia’s reputation.
With several other talented young players anticipated to emerge in the next year to 18 months duration, the future of the La Masia academy, and consequently Barcelona’s first team, appears extremely promising.
What Next for Yamal and Spain?
Lamine Yamal is hopeful for more playing time as Spain prepare to face Cyprus on Tuesday, September 12, in Granada.
