Lamine Yamal’s Torn Boots Baffle Fans After Spectacular Champions League Performance
Barcelona fans were left confused by an unusual scene following Lamine Yamal’s stunning goal in their Champions League round of 16 second-leg match against Benfica. The 17-year-old wonderkid needed an immediate boot change after his footwear was visibly damaged during the game.
The teenage sensation had already made his mark on the match before the peculiar incident. Yamal first provided a brilliant assist for Raphinha’s opener in the 11th minute, skillfully maneuvering past two defenders before his deflected attempt found the Brazilian, who finished from close range.
After Benfica equalized through Nicolas Otamendi just two minutes later, Yamal restored Barcelona’s lead with a magnificent left-footed curler that gave goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin absolutely no chance.
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle, commentating for TNT Sports, was effusive in his praise:
- “That’s a beautiful goal”
- “He caresses the ball into the far corner”
- “What a goal that is. It’s top, top class”
- “What a young player. How good is he going to be when he’s at his peak?”
The goal wasn’t just aesthetically pleasing—it was historically significant. At just 17 years and 241 days, Yamal became the youngest player ever to register both a goal and an assist in a single Champions League match.
Boot Malfunction Steals the Spotlight
What truly captured viewers’ attention, however, was what happened immediately after Yamal’s sublime finish. As celebrations concluded, cameras caught the Barcelona kit manager waiting on the sidelines with a fresh pair of boots. The ones Yamal had been wearing—and had just scored in—were noticeably torn and damaged.
Social media quickly erupted with reactions to the unusual equipment failure:
- “Lamine Yamal scoring and assisting with torn boots.”
- “Lamine Yamal deserves better. Wtf is he doing with torn boots?”
- “That is a bad look on Lamine Yamal’s boots.”
- “Lamine Yamal’s goal was so filthy they have to change his boots.”
The equipment malfunction presented an unexpected moment in what has otherwise been a tremendous season for both Yamal and teammate Raphinha. The dynamic attacking duo has consistently delivered impressive performances for the Catalan giants throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Barcelona’s Champions League aspirations remain high, with Yamal himself previously stating his confidence in the team’s prospects. In February, he told MD: “I think that only Liverpool are more favourites than us in Champions League… as they arrived first. We can compete to win it. We can be there.”
This level of confidence isn’t misplaced given Barcelona’s current form, despite the occasional equipment malfunction. The club is chasing their first Champions League triumph since 2015, when they last lifted European football’s most prestigious trophy.
| Lamine Yamal Champions League Record | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Youngest player with goal and assist in same match | 17 years, 241 days |
| Goals in 2024/25 campaign | Ongoing |
| Assists in 2024/25 campaign | Ongoing |
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