The renewal of rising star Lamine Yamal’s contract with Barcelona has caused unrest in the dressing room, with several senior players unhappy about the lucrative terms given his age and limited experience. While his base salary is reportedly around €8 million net per year, the deal includes substantial performance-based bonuses that could push his earnings much higher. According to leaked details, Yamal’s contract includes incentives tied to goals, assists, and team achievements, potentially increasing his total earnings to over €25 million per season.
This has led to frustration among teammates who believe the financial rewards are excessive for a player still early in his career. Among the most affected are Raphinha, who recently signed a more modest extension, and Frenkie de Jong, who is still negotiating his own renewal under pressure to accept reduced terms. The disparity in wages has created tension, with some players feeling undervalued compared to Yamal’s new deal. However, the strongest reaction has come from Robert Lewandowski, who sees the contract as a challenge to his status within the squad..
Despite being 36, the Polish striker remains a key player and the team’s top scorer this season with 42 goals in all competitions. What particularly angered Lewandowski was a clause granting Yamal penalty-taking priority starting next season. This decision, reportedly approved by president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, removes Lewandowski from a role where he has been one of Europe’s most reliable penalty specialists.
The move risks destabilizing the dressing room, especially as new coach Hansi Flick prepares to take charge. Flick will now face the difficult task of managing egos and restoring harmony within the squad as he begins his tenure at Barcelona. The situation highlights the challenges of balancing youth development with the expectations of established stars. While Yamal represents the club’s future, the financial and tactical concessions made for him have clearly upset some of the team’s most influential figures.
If not handled carefully, this dispute could affect team morale and performance, adding pressure on Flick to mediate the conflict swiftly. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the club can maintain unity amid growing tensions. As Barcelona navigates this delicate situation, the focus will be on whether Yamal can justify his elevated status—and whether senior players like Lewandowski will accept their changing roles within the squad.