FC Barcelona’s young talent Lamine Yamal experienced a peculiar injury during the team’s league match against Celta Vigo on Wednesday evening.
In the 40th minute, Yamal confidently converted a penalty he had earned himself, securing the lead for Barcelona, which ultimately proved to be the final score. However, instead of celebrating, the 18-year-old signaled to the bench that he was injured immediately after taking the shot. He then fell to the ground and lay on the pitch, surrounded by his somewhat surprised teammates.
Barcelona’s medical staff entered the field and provided brief treatment to the attacking star. Shortly after, Yamal left the field, limping slightly and visibly disappointed, and went straight to the locker room. Roony Bardghji was substituted in for him. The exact nature of his injury and whether it is serious remained unclear at that point.
It is possible that Yamal sustained the injury during the play that led to the penalty. While attempting a turn in the opponent’s penalty area, the Spanish international collided with Celta defender Yoel Lago, prompting referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero to point to the penalty spot.
The match was briefly interrupted for approximately 20 minutes shortly after Yamal had left the pitch. This interruption was reportedly due to a medical emergency in the stands.
Will Spain’s National Coach Also Be Concerned?
An absence for Yamal would naturally be a significant blow for Barcelona in the final stretch of the season. While the league leaders have a comfortable lead over their pursuers, Real Madrid, there are still several games to play before their La Liga title defense is secured. A direct confrontation with their fiercest rivals, the Clasico against Real Madrid, is scheduled for May.
Spain’s national coach, Luis de la Fuente, is also likely observing the unusual events surrounding Yamal on Wednesday evening with concern. The 2026 World Cup is set to begin in about a month and a half, and Yamal is considered one of the key players for the European champions.
The Barcelona star is expected to play a crucial role in the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, which Spain ideally hopes to win. Their first group stage match against Cape Verde is on June 15th, with further group opponents being Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
For Yamal, the goal against Vigo marked his 24th goal of the current season across all competitions, in addition to his 18 assists.
Lamine Yamal: His Statistics This Season
| Games | 45 |
| Goals | 24 |
| Assists | 18 |