Lamine Yamal, each time he scores, proudly displays the number 304, the postal code of Rocafonda, his humble Catalan hometown. The local bar, El Cordobes, remains abuzz with excitement after Yamal’s stunning goal against France propelled Spain into the Euro 2024 final. His talent has long been recognized in this northern suburb of Barcelona, where locals foresaw his potential but couldn’t predict he’d become the youngest scorer in a European Championship.
“We always knew he’d make it to Barcelona’s first team,” says Juan Carlos Serrano, the bar owner, smiling with pride. “But we never imagined the impact he’s having now.”
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On the bar’s wall hangs a framed Barcelona shirt signed by Yamal, a gesture of gratitude from his father for the support during their visits before Yamal trained with Barcelona’s youth team at La Masia academy.
While Yamal no longer visits the bar, he remains connected to Rocafonda, a district within Mataro, where he spent part of his childhood. Despite his parents’ separation, regular visits to his grandmother, a long-time resident of Rocafonda from Morocco, keep him tied to the community that regards his father as a local hero.
Fresh from watching Spain’s semifinal victory in Germany, Yamal’s father rejoices with neighbors congratulating him on his son’s achievements. “I experienced every moment in that stadium like any Spanish fan, going wild,” says Mounir Nasraoui enthusiastically.
As Yamal’s 17th birthday approaches and Spain prepares for the final against England, his father expresses pride and gratitude. “This neighborhood takes pride in being Lamine Yamal’s hometown,” he acknowledges gratefully.
A few streets away, children continue to play football under the blazing sun on the same local pitch where Yamal honed his skills. His success has inspired the neighborhood, elevating its reputation positively, despite past challenges with crime and perceptions.
In his childhood home, a bakery once run by his uncle near the football pitch proudly displays a mural of Yamal in a Barca jersey, arms crossed, fingers forming the number 304. Jauad Darraz, the bakery’s new owner, plans renovations but will preserve the mural as a testament to local pride.
“We’re changing everything except the picture,” he grins. “I like it because Lamine Yamal is from our neighborhood. We have a star here!”
