How football prodigy Lamine Yamal balances Ramadan and the games

During Islam’s holy month of Ramadan, which lasts from late February to late March, daytime fasting is mandatory for all adult Muslims who do not have acute or chronic illnesses. Observers are to avoid food and drink altogether between sunrise and sunset.

This year marks the first time the 17-year-old Barcelona prodigy Yamal is observing Ramadan. Spanish newspaper AS reported that Yamal’s request to Barcelona to allow him to fast during Ramadan was welcomed by the Catalan club.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between FC Barcelona and SL Benfica at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, March 11, 2025. Photo by AP

Yamal ăn mừng sau khi Robert Lewandowski ghi bàn thứ ba ở trận Barca thắng Sevilla 5-1 trên sân Olimpic, Barcelona, Tây Ban Nha ngày 20/10/2024. Ảnh: Reuters

Yamal has also been granted an exemption by religious authorities to break the fast on matchdays.

Additionally, Barcelona's nutrition team has designed a special diet tailored specifically for him throughout the period to ensure the teenager stays in form during the crucial phase of the season. Silvia Tremoleda, head of Barcelona’s nutrition department, stated that they will closely monitor Yamal’s meals to ensure he receives adequate nutrition while still respecting his religious commitments.

It is now common for the nutrition teams of most La Liga clubs to have a plan for players observing Ramadan. Some players strictly obey the fast, others do not practice it at all, and some, like Yamal, only miss it out on game days.

Yamal’s decision to participate in Ramadan fasting is a personal one, influenced by his close relationship with his grandmother Fatima, who is currently on a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Although he has moved into his own apartment near Ciutat Esportiva, Yamal still reunites with his family at his uncle Abdul’s house to celebrate Ramadan together every evening at sunset.

Yamal rose to prominence with his outstanding performances at Euro 2024, where he helped Spain win the championship and was named the tournament’s "Best Young Player." He is also flying high at Barcelona this season, scoring 11 goals and providing 15 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.