Lamine Yamal's extended 60 Minutes interview in Spanish

Spanish soccer prodigy Lamine Yamal sits down with 60 Minutes correspondent Jon Wertheim in a lightly condensed, extended Spanish interview. Yamal talks about his love of soccer, his beginnings in Rocafunda, the journey to Barcelona, and playing for Spain on the world stage.

Growing up and early days
Yamal describes taking the train with his father from Rocafunda to Barcelona for practice and how those trips symbolized opportunity and sacrifice. He remembers playing as a young kid against older boys and feeling the different kinds of pressure and nervousness that come from both street games and elite competition. Family remains central: his mother is “the queen,” and his support circle keeps him grounded.

Style, instinct and “superpower”
When asked to define himself as a player, Yamal emphasizes joy and the emotional effect he tries to create on the pitch. He says his game relies more on instinct than rigid strategy: when surrounded by defenders he looks for the simplest, most natural solution. He calls his ability to “change moods” — to lift a team or a crowd — a kind of superpower that goes beyond goals and assists. He talks about dribbling, the outside of the foot, and the delight of leaving older opponents behind, but insists empathy for rivals is part of the game.

Rapid rise: Barca and Spain
Yamal made his Barcelona debut at 15 and quickly adapted to the senior environment. He recalls nerves but contrasts them with the more visceral fears of childhood games. He explains that character — persistence, humility — has helped him survive rapid fame and heavy expectations. He was eligible to play for Morocco but chose Spain; he discusses the choice briefly as part of his identity and career path.

About pressure and big matches
Repeatedly, Yamal says pressure is not something that dominates him; he describes it as part of the environment but not a crippling force. He recounts being able to sleep on a team bus before important matches and being calm in big moments, which surprises many observers given his age during those high-profile games. He attributes much of this composure to preparation, a strong inner circle, and experience.

Pass and team play
Although widely noted for his dribbling, Yamal stresses that soccer is a team sport and that his passing and vision were honed in training. He credits coaches, teammates, and street play for developing the sense of when to pass and when to attempt something more individual. He wants to entertain but also to be effective — to make decisive contributions in the moments that matter.

World Cup and guarantees
Asked about Spain’s chances at a first World Cup, Yamal playfully offers a guarantee in English: “Yes.” He shifts into English for a moment, smiling, but makes clear his confidence comes from belief in the squad, the coaching staff, and the collective preparation.

Character and circle of influence
Yamal emphasizes the importance of people who can tell him “no” and keep him focused. He notes that while athletes have fans and support teams, what matters is having honest people around who keep you grounded. That circle includes family members who maintain perspective no matter the goals or acclaim.

On being a star and inspiring kids
Yamal recognizes that he has rekindled fans’ passion for the sport and says he wants to be a positive example for children. He says he enjoys being a star to an extent — the attention motivates him — but he also seeks to remain a “normal” teenager when possible, balancing life off the pitch with a career that moves very fast.

Personal details and lighter moments
The conversation includes lighter questions about braces — and how they’ve become part of his image — and about whether he ever talks to the soccer ball (playful, affectionate answers). He mentions a favorite goal scored with the outside of his foot and some of the on-field instincts that lead him to attempt creative plays in tight games.

Closing
The interview closes with Yamal reflecting on when he feels happiest — on the pitch, making something happen for the team — and with a reminder that some things don’t change, no matter how famous you get: family remains central, and character is what helps you survive the highs and lows of elite sport.

This extended Spanish version lets viewers hear Yamal in his native language as he discusses the World Cup, Barcelona, fame, and the choices that shaped his career.

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