The recent renewal of Barcelona’s young sensation Lamine Yamal’s contract has stirred significant unrest within the club’s dressing room, primarily due to the highly lucrative terms attached to the deal.
Several of the team’s senior players have reportedly expressed their displeasure, viewing the financial package as excessive, especially considering Yamal’s youth and relatively limited experience at the highest level of football.
According to sources close to the club, the 16-year-old forward is now earning a base salary of approximately €8 million net per year. However, this figure is expected to climb dramatically over the coming seasons, thanks to a series of performance-based incentives written into the contract.
These bonuses reportedly cover a wide range of personal and team accomplishments, such as goals scored, assists provided, and both individual accolades and collective success. Should Yamal meet these objectives, his total earnings could surpass €25 million annually, a figure that some of his more established teammates deem disproportionate.
Among those most unsettled by the contract renewal is Brazilian winger Raphinha, who only recently extended his stay at the club on far less lucrative terms.
Additionally, Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch midfielder still in discussions with Barcelona’s management about extending his contract beyond 2026, remains under pressure to accept a reduced salary. The contrast between their situations and Yamal’s new deal has intensified dissatisfaction within the squad.
The strongest reaction, however, has reportedly come from veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. The 36-year-old Polish international, despite his age, still considers himself one of the team’s most important players and has maintained his status as Barcelona’s top scorer this season with 42 goals across all competitions — an impressive feat given he spent several weeks sidelined by injury.
What particularly frustrated Lewandowski was a specific clause in Yamal’s contract granting the teenager penalty-taking responsibilities starting from the next campaign.
This condition, allegedly endorsed by club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, effectively strips Lewandowski of a role he has long dominated and in which he has been recognized as one of Europe’s most reliable penalty takers.
With newly appointed head coach Hansi Flick preparing to start his tenure, managing these tensions will be one of his first significant challenges. He faces the delicate task of restoring balance and unity within a dressing room now divided by issues of hierarchy, respect, and fairness as the club embarks on a new chapter.
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