This year Ramadan runs from February 18 through the final week of March and, after observing the Muslim holy month for the first time last year, Lamine Yamal will once again balance his faith with elite competition. It is another factor that could influence the forward’s performances, with his next outing scheduled for Sunday at 10:15 p.m. ET against Levante.
Under Islamic practice, Ramadan requires fasting from dawn to sunset for the entire month, as well as five daily prayers. For Muslims, it is a time devoted to reflection, community and spiritual discipline. Given those conditions, it is clear that physical preparation and athletic performance can be affected.
At Barcelona, however, managing Ramadan is neither unfamiliar nor especially problematic. The club has previously developed tailored nutrition plans to reduce the impact of fasting for players such as Ousmane Dembélé, Franck Kessié and Ansu Fati, among other recent examples.
That means carefully structuring evening meals to ensure proper nourishment while avoiding heavy late-night eating that could disrupt rest or undermine performance. Hydration is equally critical. In the hours leading up to games, the Rocafonda-born winger will need to replenish fluids thoroughly.
How does Yamal manage Ramadan and training?
In an interview last March, he explained to us how he organizes his days during the holy month.
“Today I woke up at four in the morning and had a big breakfast. Then I can get up later than the others because I skip the team’s breakfast schedule,” he said. “After that I go to training and then back to my room to continue with my prayers. And so on until the time comes when I can break the fast.
“Electrolytes are to stay hydrated for the rest of the day.”
Sunday marks the first game Lamine Yamal will play since the start of Ramadan, and it remains to be seen whether he feels its effects. Last season, Barcelona’s No. 10 handled the demands of the holy month alongside his professional commitments without issue, and there is no expectation that this year will be any different.
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