Lamine Yamal has stopped giving free autographs

Barcelona supporters will be let down if they still expect to receive free autographs from Lamine Yamal, the most promising young star in Spanish football today.

According to Catalonia media, the 18-year-old has stopped signing jerseys and memorabilia for fans at the Ciutat Esportiva training ground after signing a commercial partnership with a company specializing in sports collectibles bearing player autographs.

Mundo Deportivo sources reveal that Yamal is completing contract details with a website that sells sports merchandise accompanied by genuine autographs from stars. From now on, all items signed by Yamal will be sold exclusively through this platform instead of being given away for free as previously. Yamal’s commercial management has instructed him to stop individual autograph sessions to protect the value of officially released products. This implies that fans wanting signed jerseys or boots from this prodigy must purchase them through paid distribution channels.

Although this decision may disappoint some fans, it reflects a professional approach to Yamal’s image and personal brand. Forbes reports that the winger born in 2007 has an estimated net worth of £32 million (about $43 million) — an enormous figure for a teenager. He just had a breakthrough 2024/25 season with 18 goals and 25 assists, helping Barcelona win a treble: La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, while also lifting the Euro 2024 trophy with Spain’s national team.

His on-field success has made Yamal Barcelona’s new symbol, even being given the iconic number 10 jersey formerly worn by Lionel Messi — a highly symbolic passing of the torch. Additionally, he serves as the face of numerous major brands such as Adidas, Konami, Powerade, and Beats by Dre, boosting his total earnings last year to record levels.

Before the Catalonia derby against Girona, coach Hansi Flick confirmed that Yamal has recovered from a groin injury and is ready to return to action, although he might not be able to play the entire 90 minutes.

With outstanding talent and enormous commercial appeal, Lamine Yamal is demonstrating that he is not only Barcelona’s future but also a new global football brand — where every autograph he gives now carries real value.