Barcelona and Spain’s star footballer Lamine Yamal has been diagnosed with a chronic groin injury that doctors say could trouble him for the rest of his career.
Media reports citing experts said that this could trouble him long-term and may prevent him from ever being 100 percent again.
The 18-year-old sensation has taken the football world by storm over the past two years, playing a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and helping Barcelona win a domestic treble last season. His brilliant form earned him second place in the 2025 Ballon d’Or and made him the first-ever two-time winner of the Kopa Trophy for the world’s best young player.
However, Spanish media reports have now revealed that Yamal has been quietly dealing with pubalgia, a long-term condition that causes constant pain in the pubic and groin area. The problem became more noticeable during El Clasico, where fans saw him struggling to move freely.
Physiotherapist Lluis Puig told Spanish outlet that pubalgia is not a typical muscle injury but a chronic issue that needs lifelong management. “This isn’t an injury that heals in a month. He will have to live with it and do continuous preventative work to stay fit,” Puig explained.
Barcelona’s medical team has created a special plan for Yamal to control the pain and maintain top performance levels without worsening the injury.
Interestingly, Lionel Messi faced the same issue early in his Barcelona career and overcame it through years of disciplined training and recovery.
Fans are now hoping Yamal can do the same. At just 18, he has already achieved what most players can only dream of.
If he manages to overcome this challenge, it could mark the beginning of another inspiring chapter in his journey to greatness.