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Lamine Yamal continues to mature both on and off the football field, and the Barcelona forward recently shared insights into his mindset during an in-depth conversation with Mundo Deportivo.

Despite being just 18 years old, Yamal is already seen as one of Spain’s most pivotal players. In the interview, he spoke openly about managing expectations and criticism, his World Cup dreams, and his admiration for Belgium’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

When asked about the maturity often praised by his teammates, the Barcelona winger explained that both his footballing journey and personal experiences have played a major role in shaping his mental strength.

“I think it’s down to everything I’ve been through, both in football and in my personal life; that makes you mature, it helps you grow,” he said. “Also, my teammates, who help me every day, and conversations with older, more experienced people… All of that has helped me.”

With many believing Spain’s World Cup hopes rest largely on his shoulders, Yamal admitted that he welcomes those expectations instead of being overwhelmed by them.

“Ultimately, I see it as something I can really enjoy. It’s lovely that people believe in you and trust you. I see it as something positive, not as pressure, and it makes me very happy,” he remarked.

The Barcelona youngster also addressed how he deals with criticism, acknowledging that success often brings detractors, but emphasised that he stays focused on his goals.

“I think there are two sides to it: the people who trust you and believe in you, and then the people who hope you don’t do well so they can have a go at you,” he said. “The important thing is to stay calm and stick to the path we’re on, which is to win, win and win. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what people say.”

When asked whether any particular criticism had affected him, Yamal responded calmly: “No, not really. In the end, when you win, everything hurts less.”

Although Yamal has impressed throughout the tournament, he admitted there’s still another level he believes he can reach, particularly after returning from a recent injury layoff.

Explaining his mindset, he added, “Apart from that, just carrying on playing. I’d been out of action for nearly two months, and it’s not the same as when you’ve played seven matches in a row. Just keep touching the ball, keep playing, keep racking up the minutes, and, obviously, that match will come.”

Spain’s upcoming quarter-final clash with Belgium presents another opportunity for the Barcelona forward to shine. However, Yamal acknowledged that even tougher tests could await if Spain progresses further.

Speaking about the potential of facing France or Morocco, he said, “We have fond memories of France, and it would be very special for me to play against Morocco. The good thing is that they’re both great, top-class teams. Whoever we face, we’ll try to win and reach the final.”

Finally, Yamal praised Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois, highlighting the challenge the world-class goalkeeper presents. “Yes. For me, he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world. That will make things more difficult for me, but as always, I’ll go out there wanting to win and not thinking about any particular player,” he concluded.