At just 17 years of age, Lamine Yamal has established himself as a key figure for Barcelona under Hansi Flick — a status underlined by his astonishing workload so far this year. With 2,330 minutes played, the Catalan winger ranks as the sixth most-used player in the world in 2025.
According to BeSoccer data compiled for EFE, Yamal has featured in 26 matches this year — 24 for Barcelona and two for Spain — with his total minutes including stoppage time. Within the Barcelona squad, only right-back Jules Kounde has seen more playing time, clocking up 2,519 minutes across 25 club appearances and two for France.
Most minutes played by a minor in 2025
Yamal’s figures are particularly remarkable when compared to other underage players globally. Palmeiras forward Estevao Willian (1,641 minutes) and Sporting Lisbon winger Geovany Quenda (1,624) are next on the list, but trail well behind the Spaniard.
In fact, Yamal has missed only one fixture this year — the Copa del Rey round of 32 tie against Barbastro on 4 January, ruled out by an injury to his distal tibiofibular ligament.
He returned to the starting XI just days later for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final defeat to Athletic Club, and has been ever-present since — starting every match for both club and country, including Spain’s two Nations League ties against the Netherlands.
Substituted 14 times
Of the 26 starts he has made in 2025, Yamal has been substituted on 14 occasions — seven of those after the 80th minute. His influence during a crucial stretch of the season has been immense.
He has scored eight goals and provided six assists, playing a pivotal role in a Barcelona side that top La Liga, are set to contest the Copa del Rey final, and have reached the Champions League semi-finals.
However, his output has dipped slightly since the most recent international break. In the seven matches played by Barcelona over the past 20 days, Yamal has recorded just one goal and one assist.
Slight dip in form following international break
The congested fixture list appears to have taken its toll on the teenage star. While he impressed with a stellar performance in Barcelona’s 4–0 first-leg win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals, he was less effective in the league draw with Real Betis and in the return leg in Germany.
BeSoccer statistics reveal that he lost possession 30 times against Betis — his highest tally in a single match this season — and completed only two of nine attempted dribbles at Signal Iduna Park, marking his second-lowest dribbling success rate of the campaign.
The coming 20 days could prove decisive for Barcelona, with their domestic title ambitions on the line, a Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid scheduled for 26 April, and a Champions League semi-final clash with Inter looming.
Much of their success may hinge on Yamal’s contribution. Flick now faces a crucial decision: should he stick with the current plan, or afford his young star a brief respite in upcoming league fixtures against Celta or Mallorca in order to keep him fresh for the cup final and the Champions League semi-final first leg against the Italian side?