Yamal says enjoyment, not statistics or money, drives his football

Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal says his motivation for playing football is enjoyment rather than money, goals or assists. Speaking to The Guardian on Saturday, Yamal said he did not want to become overly focused on personal statistics. He said the pleasure of the game came from creativity and helping teammates.

“I don’t play football for money, I play because I like it,” Yamal said. He added that players who become obsessed with goals and assists risk losing their enjoyment of football. Yamal said he preferred to play for fun, including dribbling, exchanging quick passes and creating opportunities for teammates who had not scored.

He described the resulting happiness as more important than individual numbers. The Barcelona forward also discussed meeting Lionel Messi. Yamal said he approached the Argentine player to thank him for his contribution to football and for what he described as his status as the best player.

He said the exchange was not arranged for publicity. According to Yamal, he saw Messi and acted spontaneously, explaining that he tried to distance himself from moments that might appear designed for show. Yamal’s comments present his approach as one centred on enjoyment and natural expression, rather than the pressure created by statistics or attention surrounding the sport.