Nadal issues warning to Barcelona superstar Yamal - 'There are many paths'

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has sent some advice to fellow Spaniard Lamine Yamal amid some scrutiny over the youngster's lifestyle.

Tennis icon Rafael Nadal has urged Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal to choose his inner circle wisely as his career continues to soar. The 18-year-old has already become an integral figure for the Catalan club despite his tender years.

Under intense scrutiny, Yamal has faced some backlash regarding certain lifestyle decisions away from the pitch. Catalunya Radio claimed last month that the teenager's agent Jorge Mendes held discussions with Barcelona's sporting director Deco about Yamal's off-field behaviour, with both parties deciding to monitor the situation more closely.

Although he is a devoted Real Madrid supporter, 14-time French Open winner Nadal has now shared his wisdom with the rising talent, drawing on his own experiences at the pinnacle of tennis. He has emphasised the significance of being surrounded by the right individuals who can provide guidance and encouragement.

"He should surround himself with people who truly support him and who are smart enough to listen to what successful people prefer to ignore," Nadal told Movistar+.

"He should surround himself with people who sincerely want him to be happy, and he should know how to listen to them, which is not always easy when you are such a famous personality, in the spotlight.

"It's important for him, given his young age. He must surround himself with people who will benefit him, whether it is his family or a team. Everyone's reality is different, and everyone has their own mentality and personality.

"There are many paths to success, but the way you handle it and live with it for years can make you a balanced and happy person, or on the contrary, success can make you unhappy because the notoriety ends up consuming you."

Yamal has recently found himself caught in the middle of a club versus country dispute. He missed Spain's last two World Cup qualifiers last week after undergoing a groin procedure.

Spanish football authorities have claimed they were kept completely in the dark about the treatment. In a strongly-worded statement, they said: "The medical services of the Royal Spanish Football Federation wish to express their surprise and concern upon learning, at 13:47 on Monday 10 November - the day the national team's official training camp began - that Lamine Yamal had undergone an invasive radiofrequency procedure earlier that same morning to treat discomfort in his pubic area.

"This procedure was carried out without prior communication to the national team's medical staff, who only became aware of the details through a report received at 22:40 last night, in which a medical recommendation of 7-10 days of rest was indicated.

"In light of this situation, and with the player's health, safety, and well-being as the top priority, the Royal Spanish Football Federation has decided to release the player from the current squad."

Yamal was back in action for Barcelona on Saturday, providing two assists in the team's 4-0 victory over Athletic Club at the Nou Camp. He is set to be in action again on Tuesday night when Barca head to London to face Chelsea in the Champions League.