Lamine Yamal has been labelled ‘trashy’ following news that the Barcelona player has opted to quit signing autographs for free. The Spanish wonderkid is one of the world’s most loved football players, but fans will have to pay to acquire his autograph on memorabilia.
The 18-year-old finished second in the Ballon d’Or race last month, capping up a spectacular year for both club and country. He was voted Young Player of the Tournament as Spain won Euro 2024 and was a prominent performer as Hansi Flick led the Blaugrana to La Liga victory.
Yamal signed a new agreement with Barcelona in May, with the Spaniard earning more than £276,000 per week. However, this appears to be insufficient for the future heir to Lionel Messi, who will now charge for his autograph.
Lamine Yamal Will Stop Signing Autographs for Free
It is normal practice at any football club for players to sign autographs for supporters who have waited patiently outside training grounds or stadiums after a match. Young fans’ fantasies come true when their favourite player takes a pen and writes their surname on a replica shirt.
Yamal’s signature will not be provided for free if a prospective agreement with an unnamed company that sells signed sports products is completed. He has reportedly been offered a deal to market his autographed things (boots, shirts, and general merchandise), which he intends to accept, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Barca Academy graduate has been advised not to sign any more autographs, and admirers must order such products through the website. It is stated that the fewer items the teenager signs, the more valuable his signature is.
This marketing strategy is prevalent in America, particularly among the NBA. LeBron James is touted as an example of a basketball hero whose autograph is exclusively available for purchase.
“Incredibly Lame”: Fans Slam Yamal’s Autograph Deal
Some fans sell signed shirts on eBay, and Yamal is among the top sellers. A signed Barcelona home shirt is available for £750, while a Spain iconic jersey costs £445.28.
There is no information on how much the items for the youngest player in Catalan club history would cost once a deal is struck with the company. However, fans are furious with the move.
A Real Madrid fan lashed out at the Barcelona attacker:
“He is just so incredibly lame, what a trashy thing to do, him being 18 years old only makes it worse.”
Another admirer on Reddit commented:
“Games are over, I actually mean it this time. He’s headed down the wrong path; no one needs this much money at the age of 18.
One added:
“WTF? “How is this even allowed?”
Another person fumed:
“This is really unbelievable. “That is one way to s**t on your own fans, kid.”
One supporter brought out the emotional side of signing autographs:
“Most kids don’t even care about getting an autograph. It’s only a few seconds when their idol notices their existence. I recall being lucky enough to have Robben sign my shirt back in 2012.
Yamal has had an impressive start to the season, with two goals and four assists in five appearances across competitions. His contract with Barcelona is thought to include a €1 billion (£870 million) release clause, and the Catalans will be grateful to have signed him earlier this year.
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