Spanish prodigy Lamin Yamal has etched his name into Barcelona’s history books, surpassing one of the club’s most iconic figures, Diego Maradona, in terms of goals scored for the Catalan giants.
Maradona, who joined Barcelona from Boca Juniors in 1982, played 58 matches over two seasons, netting 38 goals in all competitions. His spell at the club, though brief, was a mix of brilliance and challenges. In 1984, the Argentine World Cup winner moved to Napoli for £6.9 million, where he would carve out his legendary status over seven years—winning two Serie A titles, a UEFA Cup, and multiple other trophies, scoring 157 goals in the process.
Fast-forward to the present, and Yamal, a young Spanish forward who joined Barcelona’s senior team in 2023, has now outscored Maradona at the club. In a Copa del Rey fixture yesterday, Yamal broke the deadlock for Barcelona, scoring his 39th goal for the first team—a tally that eclipses the legendary Argentine’s 38 goals.
Unlike Maradona, who reached his 38-goal mark in just 58 matches, Yamal has achieved 39 goals across 135 appearances, reflecting both his consistent presence and gradual rise through the ranks. His record spans multiple competitions, demonstrating versatility and reliability in front of goal:
| Competition | Matches Played | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|
| La Liga | 91 | 23 |
| Copa del Rey | 9 | 5 |
| European Competitions (Champions League, etc.) | 29 | 8 |
On Wednesday, in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, Yamal struck in the 39th minute, opening the scoring for Barcelona. Later, Ronald Araújo added a second goal, securing a 2-1 victory and sending the Catalans into the semi-finals—the first team to qualify from this stage.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta praised both players after the match. “Yamal is a magician. His first goal came from sheer brilliance,” Laporta remarked. “I am also especially pleased with Ronald Araújo. He has been outstanding from the start of the match and added a crucial goal. With our captain returning, it gives us even more reassurance. Both players have contributed immensely to the team’s success today.”
Yamal’s milestone is more than a personal achievement; it symbolises the ongoing evolution of Barcelona’s youth system and the club’s tradition of producing world-class talent. While Maradona’s tenure remains legendary, Yamal’s rise underscores a new era of promise for the Blaugrana faithful—a testament to skill, perseverance, and the enduring magic of Camp Nou.