Barcelona risking burnout of 18-year-old star amid hidden crisis | OneFootball

For all the talk of continuity at Barcelona, the current season has seen a major adjustment in the team’s attacking structure, and not entirely for the better.

On the surface, Barcelona are still the same attacking force that thrilled fans last year. But dig a little deeper, and a shift becomes impossible to ignore. 

Simply put, at just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal is now carrying a significant portion of the club’s offensive burden almost single-handedly.

Last season, the Catalans thrived on balance. The front three of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Yamal functioned with near-perfect harmony. 

Goals were shared, responsibilities distributed, and opposition defences were constantly stretched from multiple angles.

That balance, however, has been disrupted in the 2025/26 campaign.

Reduced roles for veterans

Lewandowski’s role has shifted, with the veteran forward now rotating more frequently with Ferran Torres. 

While this has helped manage his workload, it has also reduced his consistency in the starting XI, impacting Barcelona’s attacking rhythm, although it is also true that he has started to regain the lost rhythm. 

Meanwhile, Raphinha’s season has been heavily affected by recurring muscle injuries. 

Yamal was Barcelona’s most effective player against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

In response, Marcus Rashford has stepped up and delivered encouraging performances, notably against Atletico Madrid, where he scored, but the Brazilian’s absence is still deeply felt.

All eyes on Lamine Yamal

All of this, as a result, has placed Yamal at the centre of everything.

This season, the teenager has become the focal point of Barcelona’s entire attacking system, scoring 21 goals and assisting 16. 

Every move seems to flow through him. Teammates instinctively look for him, trusting his ability to unlock defences in tight situations.

Against Atletico Madrid, the Spaniard led the team in shots, chances created, and attacking involvement. 

His dribbling, creativity, and willingness to take risks made him Barcelona’s most dangerous outlet throughout the match. 

Quite simply, everything went through him. He wins fouls in dangerous areas, contributes defensively, and constantly makes himself available across the pitch. 

All this at the age of 18.