We could have won them but they have the best player in the football world…

At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has become the heartbeat of Barcelona’s resurgence in the 2024-25 season, delivering performances that have left fans, pundits, and opponents in awe. While expectations were high for the La Masia graduate, few could have predicted the sheer brilliance he displayed in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Borussia Dortmund on April 9, 2025—a match that showcased his ability to transcend his age and redefine what it means to be a young star in modern football.

Coming into the season, Yamal was already a name on everyone’s lips. His debut at 15, his record-breaking goal as Barcelona’s youngest-ever scorer, and his growing influence in La Liga hinted at a bright future. But the step up to the Champions League knockout stages, where pressure is unrelenting and margins are razor-thin, is a different beast altogether. Against a battle-hardened Dortmund side, Yamal didn’t just hold his own—he stole the show.

Barcelona’s 4-0 thrashing of Dortmund was a statement of intent, and Yamal was at the heart of it. His goal in the 77th minute, a precise finish after a lightning-fast counterattack, capped a performance that blended audacity with composure. Beyond the goal, he tormented Dortmund’s defense with his dribbling, completing three out of four attempts and creating two chances that kept the German side on edge. His movement off the ball opened spaces for teammates like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, who also found the net, but it was Yamal’s ability to dictate the tempo that stood out most.

What makes Yamal’s performance so remarkable is the context. At an age when most players are still cutting their teeth in youth academies, he’s already a starter for a Barcelona side chasing a quadruple under Hansi Flick. The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys erupted when he scored, not just because of the goal but because it symbolized something bigger: a new era for a club that’s leaned heavily on its youth to navigate financial and competitive challenges.

Yamal’s rise isn’t just about raw talent—it’s about mentality. Post-match, he spoke with the humility of a veteran, crediting his teammates and emphasizing the need to stay focused for the second leg. Yet his play betrays a fearless confidence, whether he’s nutmegging a defender or curling a shot past a world-class goalkeeper. Against Dortmund, he became the youngest player to score in a Champions League quarterfinal at 17 years and 270 days, surpassing even the great Bojan Krkić in the history books.

This wasn’t a one-off. Yamal’s season has been a highlight reel of jaw-dropping moments. His wondergoal against Benfica in March, a curling strike that silenced critics doubting his consistency, and his brace in La Liga against Girona showed he’s no flash in the pan. With 14 goals and numerous assists across all competitions, he’s not just meeting expectations—he’s obliterating them.

For Barcelona, Yamal is more than a player; he’s a symbol of hope. In a campaign marked by an unbeaten run in 2025 and a hunger to reclaim European glory, he’s proving that the club’s fabled academy can still produce game-changers. As they head to Dortmund for the second leg, one thing is clear: Lamine Yamal isn’t just the future—he’s the present, and he’s playing like he knows it.