Jamal: Even when celebrating with my colleagues for winning the Euro title, I did not drink alcohol and replaced it with soda water (social media)
Spanish star Lamine Jamal said that it is impossible for him to drink alcohol or get a tattoo on his body, in his first ever television interview that came after his victory with the 'La Roja' team in the 2024 European Nations Cup, which was held in Germany.
The Barcelona talent added that 'even during the celebration with my colleagues after winning the Euro title, I did not drink alcohol and replaced it with soda water.' He continued that he will not get a tattoo on his body because he does not like it.
He continued in the interview with the Spanish program 'Elormiguero' that he can no longer go to the shopping malls, and because he is not yet 18 years old, he depends on his family to take him to the sports city. 'I shop online, and sometimes I try to go out with my younger brother, but it is difficult. My cousin takes me to training.'
With shyness and modesty, Jamal - whose market value is 120 million euros - confirmed that he does not want this amount because it means leaving Barcelona. 'I hope I never have to leave. I want to be a legend here.'
People in Madrid appreciate me for what I did for the national team, but it hurts them that we are leading the league,' he predicted.
Lamine Jamal was one of the contributors to Spain's victory in the Euro (Reuters)
Thanks to his impressive performances at the Euros, Jamal became the youngest player ever nominated for the Ballon d'Or. 'We were in the elevator with Neco Williams, and he was nominated first, then me. We were congratulated by everyone in the dressing room, but I don't think I have a chance of winning the Ballon d'Or,' he said.
Regarding comparing his beginnings with the Argentine star and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, the promising star explained that being compared to the greatest player in the history of football 'is great, but I want to make my own way and leave my mark. Because reaching Messi's level is a difficult task.'
He pointed to the photo taken of him with Messi, and revealed, 'Honestly, I feel like he has transferred some of his magic to me.. I still have a lot to offer.'
Jamal (left): I would like to play alongside Nico Williams every week (French)
Regarding his national team colleague Nico Williams' move to Barça, Jamal said that he built 'a great relationship with Nico Williams, we like the same things, like music and dancing on TikTok.. I would like to play alongside him every week, but he preferred to stay with Athletic Bilbao.'
Two pieces of advice from his grandmother
After celebrating the European Championship the same summer he graduated from high school, his trip back to his mother's house keeps him grounded, revealing part of what happens: 'My mother tells me to put on my sandals and make my bed... She even talks to my agent.'
He also shared a funny story about his time as a goalie and “training” with his father’s two dogs, saying, 'My older cousin would put me in goal, and I would save every shot. Those dogs were relentless! I had two dogs, and when my dad would pick me up from school, they would run down the sidewalk to meet me.'
Jamal: I had to study until dawn for high school (social media)
On the coincidence of the European Cup with his studies, he said: 'It was very fun (winning) but then there was the reality of school. Everyone stayed up late playing video games, and I had to study until the early hours of the morning.'
Jamal wants to have a rather strange pet, he said: 'I want an octopus! I even thought about an aquarium, but my mum says it's impossible. When I was 13 she said I might get one at 18, now she says it will be at 21. It's definitely a strange pet and none of my friends have one like it.'
Despite his fame and the change in his life, Jamal has not forgotten where he came from. He said, 'My neighborhood means everything to me. My family and friends are there. My upbringing is connected to this place.'
The Blaugrana player concluded the interview by expressing his attachment to his neighbors and family, especially his grandmother who always gives him two pieces of advice:
Never wear black.
Take good care of your father.
