I Enjoy Football, Not Just for Money, Yamal

Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal says he plays football for reasons beyond money, goals, and assists. He insists that his main motivation is simply enjoying the game.

Yamal spoke to The Guardian on Saturday. He said he doesn’t want to be obsessed with personal stats. For him, the joy of football comes from being creative and helping his teammates.

“I don’t play football for money, I play because I like it,” Yamal said.

“Players who are obsessed with goals or assists do not enjoy. I play for fun, to dribble, to play one touch, two, to make a teammate who has not scored, score, for happiness,” he added.

Meeting Messi

The teenager also talked about his interaction with Lionel Messi. He revealed that he approached the Argentine star just to thank him for his impact on football.

“I went to Leo Messi and said: thank you,” Yamal said.

“I just thanked him a lot for everything he has done and how he’s the best. I’ve always believed he is the best,” he noted.

Yamal mentioned that the moment was not planned for attention. It happened naturally after he saw Messi.

“I always try to distance myself a little from things that seem beautiful for show. The moment came from within. I saw him there, so I went to thank him for what he did for football, it came spontaneously,” he said.

Enjoying the Game

For Yamal, these comments show his desire to keep the joy and spontaneity that brought him to football. He wants to avoid letting stats or attention become his main focus.