Yamal: Ferran, Fabian & Merino are underrated; I’ll grow a beard for a year if we win World Cup

Barcelona young star Lamine Yamal has launched his own YouTube channel. In his fourth video, he answered fans' questions about the World Cup and his career.

On the first World Cup he remembers

As you know, the first World Cup I remember is 2014. I was just a three-year-old kid back then. The Germany vs Brazil match and the final left a big impression on me. As for the 2010 and 2006 World Cups, I wasn't even born in 2006, so I have no memory of them.

 

On what he learned from Euro 2024

I learned a lot especially from the first game. I was really nervous at the start of the tournament because it was my first major international competition, which is totally different from club football. I learned to stay calm. The tournament is long — even if you don't play well in one game, there are six more matches to make an impact, so there's no need to rush. The games unfold naturally, and as the tournament goes on, things get better and better. So you have to start with a calm mindset.

 

On which language he speaks on the pitch and in the locker room

As part of the Spain national team, we speak Spanish on the pitch. When talking to referees, we use simple English words like "yellow card, ref."

 

I think my English is not bad — I understand most things, but I struggle a bit to express myself. I know basic terms like "offside" and "it hurts here."

 

On when he can take off his braces

My dentist will have to answer that one.

 

On which player he thinks is underrated

I'd say Ferran Torres, Fabian and Merino. They're all underrated players.

 

On why he wraps his hands during matches

I hurt my finger once when I accidentally hit the TV while playing a game, and it swelled up. That's when I started wrapping my hands. I think it looks good, just like Benzema.

 

On advice for people who want to become footballers

I'd tell them to have dreams, enjoy football, and work hard. Even the most undisciplined players have to keep training, so you should work hard and enjoy the game.

 

On whether he'll change his look for the World Cup

Right now I'm getting a haircut and adding some blonde highlights to make my hair lighter and cooler. Last time at the Euros, I dyed my hair with friends and we won the tournament. I hope this brings me luck again.

 

On his opinion of VAR

I think VAR is fair in the end, but it definitely slows down the game in some situations. Before, even if there were sometimes bad calls, the game kept going and was fun.

 

On his promise if Spain wins the World Cup

If we win the World Cup, I'll grow a beard for a year, give away 100 pairs of Beats headphones in a giveaway, and dye my hair white.