Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal says he is fully aware of the intense public attention surrounding his rise but insists he enjoys the global spotlight, even as criticism of his personal life grows.

Speaking to CBS, the 18-year-old admitted that the fame, noise and constant analysis have become part of his daily reality, and he has no interest in stepping away from it.

Yamal, who turned 18 in the summer of 2025, has already built an elite portfolio: league titles, a Kopa Trophy and a Golden Boy award.

His explosive emergence at 15 and his electrifying style of play have drawn frequent comparisons to Lionel Messi, comparisons he cannot escape, despite efforts to mute the narrative.

‘I like being a superstar’

The teenager made it clear that global visibility is not a burden.

“No, honestly I don’t [mind]. In fact, I like it,” he said when asked about living as a superstar.

Growing up, Yamal always sought the spotlight.
“Where I used to play… there was no better feeling than getting people to stand up and laugh at the opponents. It’s the best feeling in the world,” he recalled.

He likened that early joy to the reaction of packed stadiums rising to their feet when he produces moments of brilliance.

He added that pressure does not affect him on the pitch:
“I can’t feel pressure playing football. My parents faced real pressure as young parents… that’s real pressure for me.”

Struggles with life off the pitch

While football remains an escape, the Barcelona winger acknowledged that being a normal teenager is impossible.

His 18th-birthday controversies, tabloid attention around his relationship with rapper Nicki Nicole, and the daily presence of journalists outside his home have made privacy a luxury.

“It’s hard to act like a normal 18-year-old… I would like to go eat at a restaurant like a normal person, but I can’t,” he said. He now limits himself to quiet routines: visiting family and playing video games.

An unexpected global influence

Despite the challenges, Yamal said he takes pride in the impact he is having on fans around the world.

“People have told me they’ve started watching football again because of me… Even tourists get the Barca jersey with the 10 at the back,” he revealed.

His breakout has reignited interest in Barça shirts among young fans and strengthened his influence beyond sport.

Meanwhile, Yamal stressed that humility remains central to how he handles his fast-rising career.