Spanish national football team player Lamine Yamal was described by his former schoolteacher Lidia Sanchez Saez as a child who constantly carried a football. Yamal returned from the Football World Cup as a national hero with the trophy before spending his summer with his influencer girlfriend, Ines Garcia. Scrutiny on social media has followed the player, including an uncomfortable situation at the Four Seasons hotel in Madrid over his requests.
Growing public interest in Yamal has brought attention to his parents, younger brother, and former teachers. Sanchez Saez, who taught Social Sciences at Lleo XIII School in Barcelona, spoke about Yamal during an interview with the newspaper ABC. Lleo XIII School is an institution where young football prospects from FC Barcelona receive their education.
Sanchez Saez remembered Yamal as one of her top students, not in doing homework, but on the pitch. She said she had to confiscate his ball roughly 40,000 times because he always carried it with him. She explained that she took the ball to the teachers' room, where Yamal would appear to ask for it back. She added that while she recognized his football skill, she did not imagine he would become a national hero.
Ball control and classroom participation
The teacher noted that Yamal stood out as soon as he took control of a ball, surprising anyone who watched him play. She compared his talent to that of great musicians and writers, describing his football ability as extraordinary. She recalled seeing someone throw a ball to him a few days after meeting him, noting that he moved quickly to control it and kept it stuck to his foot.
Sanchez Saez, who is a football enthusiast, said she encouraged her students to draw match strategies, adding that Yamal loved participating in those activities. She described him as a very good and normal child whom she always pictured holding a football in the schoolyard.
School pride and recognition of effort
Sanchez Saez said teachers at Lleo XIII School expressed excitement and disbelief in their group WhatsApp chat while discussing Yamal's career. She stated that the entire school felt proud of their former student. She emphasized that while the public sees his moments of success, significant hard work lies behind his achievements.
