Barcelona's 15-Year-Old Sensation Shatters Century-Old Record With Historic Call-Up to First Team Squad

Lamine Yamal, a rising talent from Barcelona, created history as he was summoned to join the first-team squad for the Atletico Madrid match on Sunday.

On Sunday, at Nou Camp, the current leaders of La Liga, Barcelona, will face the in-form team of Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid, with a new addition to their squad.

 Barcelona has a reputation for being one of the most successful clubs in producing young talent, and their brightest prospect, Lamine Yamal, aged only 15 years and 283 days, is among them.

Yamal is a talented winger with exceptional proficiency in using his left foot. He has represented Spain at youth level and has already surpassed the expectations of his age group by playing for the Juvenil A, which is Barca's Under 19 team.

The wonderkid has already had the chance to train with Barcelona's first-team earlier this season, and his fortunes have since improved. He has been included in the squad for the upcoming big game against Atleti, as confirmed by the club. 

To signify his involvement, he will be donning the No.41 jersey. If he makes an appearance on the field, Yamal will make history by becoming the youngest player ever to play for Barcelona in La Liga.

🚨 The squad for #BarçaAtleti! pic.twitter.com/onyU4XoUQL

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 22, 2023

Armand Martinez Sagi held the previous record for the youngest player in a professional soccer match, set over 100 years ago in April 1922 when he played against Sporting Gijon at the age of 15 years, 11 months, and five days.

Yamal, who was born in 2007, has not yet signed his first professional contract with Barcelona, but will be eligible to do so once he turns 16 in July.

Yamal has been with Barcelona since he was seven years old and is currently represented by Ivan de la Pena, a former midfielder for both Barca and Espanyol, who also serves as the agent for Gavi and Eric Garcia.

According to Ferran Martinez of Mundo Deportivo, Xavi is "in love" - in a football sense - with Yamal and he and the coaching staff want to "pamper" him.

15 year old Lamine Yamal makes it into the first team squad for the first time. Are you ready for the start of another beautiful story?😍 pic.twitter.com/1lDntwJSVY

— Berneese (@the_berneese_) April 22, 2023

 And this week the Barcelona boss showered Yamal with praise ahead of a potential debut.

"He has personality, talent, the final pass, on-on-one, he's strong, he's got a great attitude and he's had wonderful training sessions this week," Xavi said.

"He can mark an era in the club's history. Without fear, we'll put him in the squad. I have spoken to him and he is grateful and happy. If he is able to participate, I'm sure he will help us."

Barcelona have also been boosted by the returns of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong in midfield.