Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal made history when he made an 11-minute cameo against Real Betis during the home side's thumping of the Andalusian club at the Camp Nou.
The 15-year-old's appearance made him the youngest player to make his debut in Barca's colours for over a century.
Yamal โ a product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy โ was first named to the matchday squad in Xavi's side's tie against Atletico Madrid last weekend, but had to wait until his second inclusion to see playing minutes.
His manager hailed the player as a 'special' talent after the final whistle, with Xavi singling him out for praise.
'I told him to go and try things, and he did,' Xavi began.
'He is special. He could have scored, and made an assist.
'He is very self confident, he has shown what he can do. He has no fear and he is very talented.
'He plays beyond his 15 years and he is ready to play in the first team.'
Yamal's historic debut is topped only by that of Armand Martinez Sagi, who began playing for Barcelona at the age of 14, in 1920.
Whilst Yamal failed to get on the scoresheet in the Catalan club's casual 4-0 rout of a Betis side reduced to 10 men, stirrings about the Camp Nou suggest he is destined for greatness.
The talented teenager has been hailed as the finest academy product since one Lionel Messi and is already represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes.
Additionally, the left-footed centre-forward has already made appearances for Spain's under-15 and under-19 sides.
But the burden on talented youngsters in Catalonia can be difficult to shoulder.
La Masia product Ansu Fati was handed Messi's hallowed No 10 shirt after the World Cup winner's tearful exit in 2021 at the age of just 18.
Whilst Fati's spell in the senior side started with promise, he has faltered this season and found himself spending prolonged spells on the bench.
Fati's name has been mentioned among a number of Barcelona players that may be up for sale in the summer as the club attempts to bolster its financial prospects and raise funds to buy new players, likely including Messi.
NeXusAJ
433
Why Barca hyping children up at their young age. Haven't they learnt from Ansu fati experience.
edric001
283
Good luck la masia product Welcome ๐๐๐
Paulamadubassie
218
Our future is good Talent for a talent
kruz8080
199
Bouum
kruz8080
186
It's already a great Blessing for u playing with Legends ๐ฏKeep Striving Yamal
Podabilry
130
I think Barca should still keep Fati. I believe Messi return would benefit Fati because he will receive maximum help from Messi .Fati has reduced to nothing since Messi left. When Messi returns, we are going to see the best of Pedri, Gavi, Bade, De jong and Lewandowski. At 36, what Messi did with Argentina ๐ฆ๐ท young players at the world ๐ cup was super amazing.
Gemaputrabaculu
106
this competition on giving a very young kids a debut is ridiculous,,soon, kids age 10's will start debuting on UCL,,[Sadtolook]
emilnimmi
12
Why Barca hyping children up at their young age. Haven't they learnt from Ansu fati experience.
It is rare for a 15 year old to make senior debut for his club. his commitment and talent is defined here. La Masia has produced wonderful talents. It's true that media attention will bring weight to their presence and people will always look what they are doing, but if his focus is in his game he could be another talent to the future. It's not hyping it's that Barca is acknowledging their talent and their help to the squad.