By Adegboyega Adeleye
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has made winning the Champions League his main target this season after being named one of the club’s vice-captains at just 19.
According to Reuters, Yamal said the Champions League was his biggest motivation ahead of Barcelona’s opening league-phase fixture against Feyenoord at Camp Nou on Wednesday.
“There’s no greater motivation than the Champions League, which is the one I still have to win. We will give our all to win it,” Yamal told reporters.
The Spain international was recently elected one of three vice-captains by his teammates, alongside Eric Garcia and Frenkie de Jong, with coach Hansi Flick selecting Raphinha and Pedri as the other members of the five-man captaincy group.
Yamal admitted he was proud of the responsibility, particularly given his age.
“It’s something to be proud of at 19 years old. I’m very grateful to my teammates. It’s a position that comes with responsibilities, even if I’m only 19, but I’m very happy,” he said.
His appointment makes him the fifth player in Barcelona’s captaincy order and places him among the youngest players to hold the role. Bojan Krkic was the club’s youngest captain when he wore the armband aged 20 years and 56 days in 2010.
Yamal enters the new Champions League campaign in strong form after scoring twice in Barcelona’s 5-0 win over Valencia on Sunday, maintaining the club’s perfect start to the LaLiga season.
Barcelona, however, are seeking to end an 11-year wait for another Champions League title. They came close in 2025 before losing their semi-final to Inter Milan after extra time.
The Catalan giants have also suffered successive Champions League eliminations in recent seasons, with questions raised over whether Flick’s aggressive approach needs to be adapted for European competition.
Flick said Barcelona would adapt when necessary while maintaining the style that has proved successful over the past two seasons.
Barcelona begin their latest European campaign against Feyenoord on Wednesday, with Yamal looking to lead the club’s challenge for a first Champions League title since 2015.
The post UCL: Yamal targets Champions League as Barca vice-captain appeared first on Vanguard News.