The early development of Lamine Yamal at Barcelona was shaped by sacrifices made by his family, according to his first coach at La Torreta, Inocente Diez, known as Kubala.
Yamal joined La Torreta when he was five and worked under Diez before emerging as one of the most prominent young players in world football. His former coach has now recalled the challenges faced by the family when Barcelona became a permanent part of the player’s life.
Diez highlighted the difficult decision made by Yamal’s mother, Sheila, when her son moved into Barcelona’s system. The change meant leaving behind part of his daily routine and beginning a new stage away from home.
“It was extremely difficult for Sheila for Lamine to move to Barcelona,” Diez said.
Yamal remained closely connected to his familiar surroundings until he was 12. He continued attending the local school and completed the sixth grade of primary education before making the permanent move to La Masia.
The transition placed additional pressure on a family trying to balance football training, travel and work commitments. Diez said the practical arrangements alone were demanding for Yamal’s mother.
“Whether the child was going by taxi or walking, it was difficult for his mother because she had to go to work,” he said.
Despite those challenges, Sheila understood that she needed to respect her son’s wishes. Recalling her decision, Diez said: “She made her decision and said: ‘This is what he wants.’”
The former coordinator believes parents have an important role when children are faced with major choices at a very young age. They must support them while also explaining the possible consequences of taking such a significant step, he said.
Diez also described the emotional difficulty for a child who leaves behind familiar surroundings, friends and family in pursuit of a sporting opportunity.
“He will stay here with his father and will not see his friends again, while he will go there to train,” Diez said.
“That is extremely hard for a seven-year-old child,” he added.
His comments underline the personal and family sacrifices that can accompany the opportunities available to talented young footballers. While a move into an elite academy can open the way to a professional career, it can also involve a profound separation from a child’s established life.
Diez reserved particular praise for Sheila and the part she played throughout Yamal’s journey.
“When children are that special, having someone accompany them is important. In this case, Sheila deserves a mark of 10 out of 10,” he said.
Yamal’s path to becoming a Barcelona star therefore began not only with his talent, but also with the difficult decisions taken by his family to support his ambitions.
