Lamine Yamal, who likely never dreamed he’d one day wear the Barcelona jersey, is now on the verge of signing a new contract with the club, according to his agent Jorge Mendes.
Yamal’s journey is particularly remarkable given his humble beginnings. He didn’t grow up playing in elite academies from the start, but rather honed his skills on the streets of Rocafonda — a neighborhood of around 11,000 residents, where nearly half the population lives below the poverty line.
In Rocafonda, many buildings are aging, lack elevators, and come with steep rent, making evictions a regular and painful reality for many families. Yamal’s rise from such challenging circumstances to the top tier of European football is a testament to his resilience and raw talent.
And yet, football has become a beacon of hope for the local youth — all thanks to Yamal.
On the stairs of the municipal football field, graffiti appeared with the inscription:
“Rocafonda sí tiene futuro”
(“Rocafonda does have a future”)
These words, inspired by Yamal’s success, have become a powerful symbol of pride and possibility for a community often overlooked — proof that even from the toughest streets, greatness can rise.
