Lamine Yamal sparks Lewandowski’s discontent due to his controversial request after renewing his contract!

In what should have been a celebratory moment for FC Barcelona, the renewal of Lamine Yamal’s contract has instead stirred discontent within the dressing room—particularly from one of the club’s most senior figures, Robert Lewandowski. The 17-year-old sensation, widely regarded as the future of the club, has signed a lucrative new deal that includes not just a remarkable salary, but also clauses that have raised eyebrows among his more experienced teammates.

According to sources close to the club, Yamal’s new contract includes a base salary of approximately €8 million net per year, making him one of the highest-paid teenagers in football history. However, that’s just the beginning. With performance-based bonuses tied to goals, assists, and team success, the deal could reportedly push his annual earnings to over €25 million in the coming seasons.

This massive leap in earnings has not been received well by everyone. Senior players like Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong are reportedly displeased. Raphinha, who recently renewed his own contract on significantly more modest terms, feels blindsided by the club’s sudden generosity towards Yamal. Meanwhile, De Jong—who has been under pressure from the club to accept a pay cut to help alleviate financial strain—has every reason to feel frustrated with what appears to be an inconsistent approach to wage structure.

Yet, the loudest murmur of discontent comes from Robert Lewandowski. The veteran Polish striker, who turned 36 earlier this year, is said to be particularly aggrieved by a specific clause in Yamal’s new deal: a stipulation granting the young winger penalty-taking priority from the 2025–26 season onward.

This clause has reportedly infuriated Lewandowski, who, despite his age, remains Barcelona’s top scorer with a staggering 42 goals across all competitions this season. Penalties have long been a strong point in his arsenal, and he boasts one of the best conversion rates in Europe. To strip him of that responsibility—not through performance, but through a contract clause awarded to a teenager—feels to him like a breach of the club’s hierarchy and footballing protocol.

The clause was allegedly approved at the highest levels, with both club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco signing off on it. Their endorsement of Yamal’s elevated status signals the club’s intention to build the team around the young prodigy, but it also threatens to fracture the delicate balance in the locker room.

Yamal’s rapid rise has been nothing short of sensational. From La Masia to becoming a regular starter under Xavi and now Hansi Flick, his trajectory has been meteoric. With dazzling dribbles, key goals, and a maturity beyond his years, he has captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. But with great expectations come great complications—especially when a teenager starts stepping on the toes of established veterans.

Lewandowski’s frustrations are not solely about ego or penalties. Insiders suggest he is concerned about the message this move sends—not just to him, but to the entire squad. In a sport where dressing room chemistry is critical, allowing contractual clauses to dictate tactical decisions could undermine the authority of the coaching staff and disrupt team unity.

Newly appointed head coach Hansi Flick now finds himself in a precarious position. Tasked with rejuvenating the squad and returning Barcelona to domestic and European dominance, he must navigate the evolving power dynamics within the team. Managing Yamal’s ascent while preserving the respect and commitment of veterans like Lewandowski will be among his toughest challenges.

Some pundits argue that the club had no choice. Yamal is arguably the most marketable and promising talent at their disposal. With heavyweights like PSG and Manchester City reportedly monitoring his situation, Barcelona’s management believed a bold contract was necessary to keep him loyal and motivated. The penalty clause, they argue, could be a symbolic gesture of trust rather than a rigid mandate.

Others, however, view this as a dangerous precedent. They warn that rewarding youth with excessive privileges too soon can backfire—either through inflated egos or fractured locker rooms. Comparisons are being drawn to other young stars who shone brightly only to fade under pressure or internal discord.

Behind closed doors, Yamal himself is said to be unfazed by the controversy. The youngster has repeatedly expressed his admiration for Lewandowski and credits the striker for mentoring him on and off the pitch. Whether the contract clause was something Yamal personally requested or something crafted by his agents remains unclear. Either way, the decision now threatens to put the two stars on a collision course.

Fans are equally divided. While many see Yamal as the rightful heir to the throne once occupied by Messi, others are urging caution and respect for seniority. The fear is that Barcelona may be repeating old mistakes—prioritizing short-term stardom over long-term cohesion.

As preseason looms and the team prepares for summer tours and transfer activity, all eyes will be on how Hansi Flick handles this sensitive matter. Will Lewandowski accept the new reality and continue as a mentor figure? Or will the rift deepen, forcing the club to confront a possible early exit for their talisman?

Barcelona’s future remains undeniably bright with Lamine Yamal leading the next generation. But how they manage the present—especially with established leaders like Lewandowski—will determine whether the path forward is smooth or chaotic.

One thing is clear: with talent, ambition, and now controversy swirling around him, Lamine Yamal is no longer just a young player. He’s at the center of Barcelona’s transformation—on and off the pitch.