Barcelona star Raphinha has opened up on his close relationship with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, revealing how he has taken on a mentorship role for the youngster both on and off the pitch.
The Brazilian winger described Yamal as a “younger brother” while explaining the bond the pair have developed at Camp Nou. Despite a 11-year age gap between them, Raphinha said the duo share a strong connection and that senior players at Barca are not afraid to keep the teenager grounded when necessary.
Raphinha and Lamine Yamal’s Growing Brotherhood
Raphinha and Yamal have formed one of Barcelona’s most exciting partnerships this season, with their chemistry becoming increasingly evident during matches and celebrations alike.
The Brazil international explained that their famous joint celebrations came from a simple online idea rather than any deeper meaning, but admitted the relationship between them goes far beyond football.
“He’s 11 years younger than me. As for our joint celebration, well, we saw it online and agreed to do it. It went well,” Raphinha told TNT Sports.
“It doesn’t have any great symbolic meaning, other than that sense of brotherhood. I really see him as if he were a much younger brother. In fact, he’s even younger than my own younger brother.”
The 29-year-old added that he constantly tries to guide the Spanish wonderkid as he continues adapting to life at the highest level.
“That’s why I see him as a younger brother. I try to give him advice as best I can,” he added.
Raphinha Reveals How he Is Mentoring Lamine Yamal at Barcelona
While Yamal’s extraordinary talent has already made him one of the brightest young stars in world football, Raphinha stressed that experience and discipline are just as important as natural ability.
The former Leeds United winger explained that he regularly shares lessons from his own career with the teenager in hopes of helping him navigate the pressure that comes with being a Barcelona star.
“I also try to pass on my life experience to him,” Raphinha explained.
“Obviously, when it comes to individual characteristics and quality, I can’t teach him. You don’t learn that overnight. It’s a natural talent.
“The truth is, I always try to pass on a bit of my experience to him.”
Raphinha has increasingly become one of the leadership figures in Hansi Flick’s squad, with younger players often looking towards him for guidance in the dressing room.
‘If He Does Something Silly, We Tell Him Off’
Despite all the praise surrounding Yamal’s rise, the Brazilian admitted that Barcelona’s senior stars are quick to step in whenever the youngster loses focus.
Raphinha revealed that Yamal responds well to criticism and maintains a mature attitude despite the enormous attention already surrounding his career.
“He’s a very good lad. He always listens, often asks for advice,” he said.
“And even if he does something silly, we tell him off and he listens. He’s very good; we have a very good relationship even though there’s an 11-year age gap between us.”
The Catalan giants' experienced players are believed to be keen on protecting Yamal from the pressure and distractions that often come with early fame, especially given the expectations already placed on him at just 18 years old.
Dreaming of a Brazil vs Spain World Cup final
Away from club football, th former Leeds United player also revealed that he and Yamal have discussed the possibility of meeting each other on the international stage in the future.
With Yamal representing Spain and Raphinha starring for Brazil, the pair could potentially face off in a future World Cup, a prospect the Barcelona winger admits would be special.
“Neymar and Lamine Yamal have agreed on a Brazil v Spain final at the World Cup. I’d be up for a match like that in the final too. It would be great to have a Brazil v Spain final.”
The winger also made it clear that friendships would be put aside if the two nations ever met in football’s biggest match.
Raphinha Embracing a Leadership Role With Brazil
Raphinha also reflected on how much he has matured since representing Brazil at his first World Cup, admitting he now feels a greater sense of responsibility for his country.
The Barca star recalled childhood memories of watching Brazil unite through football and revealed his dream of bringing those celebrations back home with a World Cup triumph.
“I remember that after the final, I went out to play football in the street,” he said.
“In the neighbourhood, the streets were packed with people celebrating with barbecues. Everywhere you went, you saw people having a good time.”
Raphinha concluded by explaining that his mindset has changed significantly over recent years as he has grown into a senior figure for both club and country.
“I feel that I have a different level of maturity now compared to when I first arrived, when I played in my first World Cup with Brazil,” he admitted.
“I feel that I carry more responsibility now than I did before.”
