Ahead of Barcelona’s home game against Elche, Rafa Mir has spoken warmly about Lamine Yamal, calling the teenage sensation a part of ‘football heritage’.
The 28-year-old forward, currently on loan at Elche from Sevilla, gave his thoughts in an interview with MARCA, offering both admiration and insight into the young Barcelona prodigy who continues to capture global attention.
Mir, who once passed through La Masia, knows what it means to grow up in the demanding environment of Barcelona’s academy.
When asked to reflect on that period of his life, he explained how formative those early years were despite the challenges.
“I was in the youth team when I was 12. It was a tough time, the first time I had left home, but Barcelona is a great city, Barça is a huge club, and they treated my family very well.
“I remember it as a difficult time because being separated from your family at such a young age is never easy, but it made me improve and grow, both as a soccer player and as a person.”
Praise for Lamine Yamal
There is no denying the fact that La Masia is a place that moulds players both technically and mentally.
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona player
Rafa Mir has nothing but praise for Lamine Yamal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Having walked a similar path himself, Mir understands the pressure young players face, especially those like Lamine Yamal, who are thrust into the spotlight at such an early age.
When questioned about the intense media focus and public scrutiny surrounding Yamal, Mir did not hesitate to defend the teenager, urging everyone to support and protect him.
“Lamine Yamal is a great player and great things are happening around him. He’s going to have to live with that for a long time.
“I think we have to help him because he’s part of our football heritage, an important part of our national team, and he’s also very young.
“He has done great things for his age. We all have to help him so that he can continue to grow and show what kind of footballer he is.”
Despite being just 18, the Barcelona winger is already a key figure for both club and country, and players like Mir recognise the importance of shielding such a rare gem from unnecessary distractions.