Lamine Yamal opens up on pressure, criticism and Spain’s World Cup hopes: ‘When you win, everything hurts less’ | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal continues to grow both on and off the pitch, and the Barcelona forward offered another glimpse into his mindset during an in-depth interview with Mundo Deportivo. 

Widely regarded as one of Spain’s most influential players despite being only 18, Yamal discussed everything from handling expectations and criticism to his World Cup ambitions and his admiration for Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Lamine Yamal explains how to handle pressure

During the interview, Yamal was asked about the maturity that teammates often praise despite his age. 

The Barcelona winger believes both football and life experiences have helped shape his mentality.

“I think it’s down to everything I’ve been through, both in football and in my personal life; that makes you mature, it helps you grow. 

“Also, my teammates, who help me every day, and conversations with older, more experienced people… All of that has helped me.”

With many believing Spain’s hopes of lifting the World Cup rest heavily on his shoulders, Yamal admitted he embraces those expectations rather than fearing them.

“Ultimately, I see it as something I can really enjoy. It’s lovely that people believe in you and trust you. I see it as something positive, not as pressure, and it makes me very happy.”

Lamine Yamal is handling the pressure well. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)

The Barcelona star was also honest about dealing with criticism, acknowledging that success naturally attracts doubters but insisting he refuses to lose focus.

“I think there are two sides to it: the people who trust you and believe in you, and then the people who hope you don’t do well so they can have a go at you. 

“The important thing is to stay calm and stick to the path we’re on, which is to win, win and win. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what people say.”

When asked whether any criticism had particularly affected him, Yamal offered a typically composed response.

“No, not really. In the end, when you win, everything hurts less.”

Yamal confident despite recent injury setback

Although Yamal has continued to impress during the tournament, he admitted there is still another level he believes he can reach after recently returning from injury.

Explaining why he feels his best performance is still to come, he said:

“Apart from that, just carrying on playing. I’d been out of action for nearly two months, and it’s not the same as when you’ve played seven matches in a row. 

Lamine Yamal is eager to advance at the World Cup. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)

“Just keep touching the ball, keep playing, keep racking up the minutes, and, obviously, that match will come.”

Spain’s quarter-final against Belgium represents another opportunity for the Barcelona forward to make his mark, but Yamal is already aware that an even tougher challenge could await if his side progresses.

Speaking about the possibility of facing France or Morocco, he said,

“We have fond memories of France, and it would be very special for me to play against Morocco. 

“The good thing is that they’re both great, top-class teams. Whoever we face, we’ll try to win and reach the final.”

Lastly, Yamal acknowledged the quality of Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, refusing to underestimate the challenge ahead.

“Yes. For me, he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world. 

“That will make things more difficult for me, but as always, I’ll go out there wanting to win and not thinking about any particular player,” he concluded.