Yamal, 18, is one of the most promising talents in world football and, despite his age, is no doubt among the first names on Flick’s team sheet ahead of Barcelona matches. ..Continue Reading
The 18-year-old has already helped the Catalan side win two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup since his debut in 2023, while also playing an integral role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.
Despite tentative links with a shock switch to Saudi Arabia, the teenager recently penned a new six-year deal at Barca and, according to Forbes, is the tenth highest-paid player in the world behind leaders Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
According to The Athletic, Yamal earns just shy of €40m (£33.5m) a year before tax — although that figure depends on meeting all performance-related bonuses.
This breaks down to £644,000 per week, £3,385 per hour, and £63 per minute.
And despite the fame, money, and praise surrounding Yamal, Barca coach Flick makes no exceptions when it comes to discipline.
There have been multiple reports of players arriving late to Barcelona training sessions in recent weeks — including Marcus Rashford and Raphinha — resulting in those players being dropped from the starting lineup for the following match.
As per Spanish outlet AS, Flick enforces penalties for lateness to training, matchdays, or team and individual meetings.
However, a report from Cadena SER’s EL Larguero claims Deco intervened to stop Yamal from being punished after he was allegedly late to a team meeting ahead of the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.
Flick reportedly intended to exclude Yamal from the squad, but Deco overruled him and urged a change of heart.
Ironically, Yamal went on to play the full match but picked up a groin injury, ruling him out of the October international break.
The Cadena SER report also stated there are concerns from the La Liga champions regarding Yamal’s off-the-pitch lifestyle.
“The Blaugrana club is not pleased with the player’s behaviour in recent months,” the report stated.
“The player’s behaviour in recent months has not been well-received. His actions off the field may be bothering certain sectors of the Barcelona leadership, who are keeping a close eye on the second-best player in the world.”
Barcelona resume La Liga duties against Girona on Saturday before next week’s El Clásico showdown with Real Madrid.
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