I play football for fun, not Money — Yamal

Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal has revealed that his primary motivation for playing football is not money, goals or assists. Speaking to The Guardian, Yamal stated that he plays because he enjoys the game. He emphasized that 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." The young player also spoke about his encounter with Lionel Messi. Yamal expressed his gratitude to Messi, saying, "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." Yamal further stated that the moment was spontaneous and not planned for publicity. He said, "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."

In his own words, Yamal's comments reveal his desire to maintain the enjoyment and spontaneity of football, rather than allowing statistics or attention surrounding the game to dominate his focus.