Security struggle to keep fans back as Lamine Yamal is mobbed at airport in Spain
Lamine Yamal’s popularity has soared to new heights judging by fan reaction he received shortly after arriving at a Spanish airport.
The 17-year-old played a key role in Spain’s run to Euro 2024 glory earlier this month and has since been enjoying some well-earned down time with his family after Barcelona granted him an extended summer break.
But it appears the starlet may have to get used to a more intrusive way of life following his exploits with La Roja.
With the Catalan club currently on their pre-season tour of the United States, Yamal headed to Marbella for a break with close friends but was mobbed by adoring fans as he arrived at the airport.
Security were forced to intervene as fans scrambled to get a close look at the star, but sightings were short and sweet as he was bundled into a waiting car and quickly taken to his destination.
And it could get even more hectic in the days to come as Spain teammate Nico Williams heads to the Costa del Sol to join him in what is likely to cause huge commotion.
Yamal’s club Barcelona are plotting a move for Williams who netted Spain’s opener against England in the Euro 2024 final.
Williams has three years remaining on his existing deal at Athletic Club Bilbao but has hinted he would be open to a switch to the Nou Camp.
The pair present a new wave of Spanish talent hoping to push the country on to a repeat of the success achieved between 2008 and 2012, which saw Spain win back-to-back European Championships and the World Cup.
For Barca, Yamal is viewed as the club’s next great hope and its most exciting academy graduate since Lionel Messi.
So much so, the Catalan club are carefully managing Yamal’s game time and decided early that the winger would play in just one of this summer’s tournaments, meaning he would miss out on the Olympics.
Barcelona are keen to avoid Yamal suffering the same fate as previous hopes Bojan Krkic who struggled to cope with the pressure placed on him.
Big things were expected of Ansu Fati but a succession of serious injuries has hampered his career while Pedri and Gavi have also picked up long-term injuries due to the club’s over-reliance on them.
Yamal is expected to be Barcelona’s starting right winger this season as new boss Hansi Flick aims to dethrone reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid.
