Lamine Yamal reveals if he would ever play for Real Madrid

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who has lit up Euro 2024 with Spain, has ruled out ever joining rivals Real Madrid in the future.

The 16-year-old has shone on the right flank for a Spain team who look more than capable of reclaiming the European crown they last lifted in 2012.

Yamal, who could line up alongside Spain teammate Nico Williams next season if Barcelona's plans for the transfer window go smoothly, first linked up with the club's famed La Masia academy at the age of seven, and quickly ascended the ranks to make his first team debut in 2023.

Head coach at the time, Xavi, quickly made Yamal a regular fixture in Barcelona's starting lineup – despite concerns over the management and workload of other young talents Pedri and Gavi in the years gone by – and it didn't take long for Spain boss Luis de la Fuente to fast-track him into their side.

Speaking ahead of the quarter-final clash with Germany at Euro 2024, Yamal was asked by Spanish publication MARCA to grade himself from 1-10 in terms of how much of a Barcelona fan he is - with the teenager quickly replying with "10" to give himself full marks.

Yamal was then asked if he'd asked fit the profile of a Culer who would say 'I will never play for Real Madrid', and he gave an emphatic answer of "Yes!"

Previous players to cross the Barcelona/Real Madrid divide include Luis Figo, Luis Enrique, Samuel Eto'o and legendary striker Ronaldo, but Yamal's words suggest he'll stay loyal to a Barcelona side he is currently contracted to until 2026.

When Yamal turns 18, he'll then be able to sign an improved, long-term contract with Barcelona – one that is likely to include a €1bn release clause if previous deals handed out to Pau Cubarsi and other players are anything to go by.

Yamal also spoke of his ambition to win the Ballon d'Or in the future and his joy at playing alongside Williams for Spain, saying: "Winning the Ballon d'Or? It's every player's dream. I hope I can get in the running. Being in the Top 3 would be a dream.

"We [Yamal and Williams] have a lot in common, our positions are similar and we like the same things. We have a similar style of play. When we're not in the training camp we always talk on WhatsApp. There's a very good vibe between the two of us.

On whether he'd like Williams to sign on at Camp Nou, Yamal added: "Of course. Whoever your friend is. Everyone would like to play with their friends on their team. I hope so."

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