Reason why fans will no longer get Lamine Yamal’s autograph for free – report | OneFootball

A recent report from Mundo Deportivo reveals that Barcelona’s teenage star Lamine Yamal has temporarily stopped signing autographs.

Interestingly, the decision is not out of arrogance but part of a larger plan.

The outlet mentions that the youngster is close to finalising a commercial deal that will turn his autograph into a valuable, monetised brand, similar to how it works in American sports.

At just 18, Yamal is already being treated as a global superstar. His rise at Barcelona and growing worldwide fame have led to several sponsorship and endorsement offers.

One of these proposals comes from a major platform that specialises in selling signed sports merchandise.

According to the report, the Barcelona forward is set to enter into an agreement with this company, and for that reason, his management team has instructed him to stop freely giving out signatures for now.

From football prodigy to commercial icon

It must be noted that the winger is still approachable and takes photos with fans, but autographs are currently off the table.

Lamine Yamal will temporarily stop signing autographs. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

In fact, sources confirm that Barcelona itself often requires player signatures for various commitments, so discussions are underway to secure a limited batch of autographs for those purposes.

The agency overseeing Yamal’s advertising deals is in advanced negotiations with a company that plans to market signed boots, shirts, and other exclusive memorabilia.

The logic behind this move is straightforward. The fewer items he signs, the higher their value becomes.

Once the deal is in place, anyone wanting an authentic Yamal-signed item will need to purchase it through the official platform managing his merchandise.

Notably, Yamal’s name is already linked to some of the world’s biggest brands.

He has partnerships with Adidas, Beats, Powerade, Oppo, Konami, and Nesquik, while also serving as an ambassador for UNICEF.

His growing list of commercial ventures rightfully underlines how he is not only a rising football talent but also an emerging global brand in his own right, something that will equally benefit Barcelona