Abdul's bar celebrates Lamine Yamal's triumphs

In the modest bar of Rocafonda, Uncle Abdul serves couscous to his nephew, the young forward of FC Barcelona Lamine Yamal, who has already become one of the great figures of world football at nineteen years old.

In a recent photo, Lamine Yamal appears next to his Uncle Abdul. Lamine Yamal has become one of the great figures of world football despite his youth. His success, his substantial earnings and his media presence contrast with an aspect that the player continues to keep very present: his origins.

Roots and family bond

The FC Barcelona forward grew up in Rocafonda, a humble neighbourhood of Mataró (Barcelona). The residents of Rocafonda proudly follow the youngster's career and appreciate that he has never hidden the place he comes from. Part of his family continues to live in the neighbourhood, among them his Uncle Abdul, owner of a bar on its streets.

Abdul is one of the people who knows the footballer best since his early years. The relationship between Lamine and Abdul remains very close despite the international stature the forward has reached. Abdul continues to play a protective role and advises Lamine on how to manage his career and personal life.

The bar as a refuge and legacy

Abdul's establishment has practically become a space dedicated to recalling his nephew's successes. The walls of the venue are decorated with photographs of the footballer and memorabilia of his career, including a framed shirt he wore during the Euro final with the Spanish national team. Lamine celebrated his second goal against Alavés. Abdul recalls that he looked after Lamine when he was small and considered him as one of his own children, stating: "When he was little he was always at home, I looked after him like another son…".

Although now his professional commitments mean they meet less frequently, the contact between them has not been lost. Abdul continues to keep an eye on his routines and, through WhatsApp conversations, reminds him of the importance of eating well, resting and going to sleep early before a match. Lamine's fame has changed the attention his family environment receives, but Abdul remains at the helm of the restaurant and does not consider abandoning it. Abdul says: "All my life I have worked and I cannot stop working".

The bar is not a place where the footballer can eat peacefully because of onlookers and fans, so Abdul prefers to prepare his favourite dishes at home. Abdul says: "I prepare couscous for Lamine at home, in my restaurant no one would let him be alone". Abdul assures that his nephew maintains a special bond with Rocafonda, where he spent much of his childhood, played with his cousins and keeps friendships. Abdul explains that Lamine returns to the neighbourhood whenever his sporting commitments allow it.

The forward's career has enhanced Rocafonda's image, making it known in many places where it was previously barely known. Abdul remarks that thanks to his nephew "everyone knows what Rocafonda is". While Lamine continues breaking records and establishing himself among the great football stars, his family reminds him of the importance of keeping his feet on the ground. Abdul states that, regardless of the titles and recognitions he may achieve, he will remain the boy he looked after and will continue advising him as on the first day.