“If he doesn’t behave himself, he won’t last long in the game" - Former Spain manager sends warning to Barcelona's Lamine Yamal 

Javier Clemente has sent a warning to Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. He said that while the youngster is a great player, he needs to behave in his personal life.

Lamine Yamal has become one of the key players for his club and country at just 18, having helped them win numerous trophies. He made his senior debut at 15 and has made 117 appearances for Barca, scoring 31 goals and providing 40 assists.

However, the youngster's personal life has come into the spotlight this year. He was first criticized for throwing a lavish birthday party before his relationship with an older woman was scrutinized. Former Spain manager Javier Clemente believes that the Barcelona superstar needs to "behave", telling Cadena SER (h/t Centre Goals):

“If he doesn’t behave himself, he won’t last long in the game. As a player, he is very good, but the problem is that if he doesn't behave correctly in everything that concerns his personal life, he won't go far. That's obvious.

“He does brilliant things, but his adversaries already know his game, they know how to counter him. They know that he's a player who must not be allowed to play, because he is so gifted that he can do a lot of things. He will be marked and watched by three players.”

Lamine Yamal also finished second in the Ballon d'Or 2025 rankings, behind Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Ousmane Dembele.

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Spain boss expresses surprise at Barcelona star Lamine Yamal's withdrawal from squad

Lamine Yamal was named in Spain's squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers this month. However, he withdrew as he underwent a procedure for his groin issue. La Roja manager Luis de la Fuente expressed his surprise at the Barcelona star's decision, telling RNE:

“There are procedures that take place outside the Federation's control. That's what happens, we have to accept it. I've never experienced a situation like this before. I don't think it's very normal. It has surprised us all. You don't have any news, you don't know any details, and on top of that, it's a health issue, so you're left surprised.”

Lamine Yamal has been dealing with a groin issue this summer and has missed around six games for Barcelona. He's been in excellent form when available, though, registering six goals and six assists in 11 games across competitions.

For Spain, meanwhile, he has scored six goals and provided 12 assists in 23 games, helping them win the UEFA Euro 2024.