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Lamine Yamal represents Barcelona's greatest chance of overturning a two-goal deficit against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals, and the young star is drawing motivation from NBA icon LeBron James as he aims to steer Barça toward glory.
Supporters noticed that after Barcelona's 4–1 victory over Espanyol at the weekend, Yamal updated his Instagram profile picture to a photo of James celebrating his role in leading the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals — one of the most remarkable comebacks in sporting history.
"He [James] is one of the people that can inspire me for tomorrow's game," Yamal said on the eve of the second leg against Atléti. "And that's why I put him up [in his profile picture]. I think I'll be thinking about how he did it [the comeback]. Hopefully I can replicate that."
James guided Cleveland to become the first franchise in NBA history to recover from a 3–1 series deficit in the Finals to claim the 2016 championship. It remains one of the most celebrated achievements in NBA history, and Yamal is now determined to engineer a similar turnaround for Barcelona.
Believe to feel alive pic.twitter.com/otjFrmSDik
The Catalan club is also drawing inspiration from other corners of American popular culture. Barcelona referenced the beloved TV series Ted Lasso when they shared an image on their X account with the caption, "Believe to feel alive."
The post pays homage to the fictional soccer show, in which Lasso's character hangs a motivational sign in the locker room to energize his squad. Players tap the sign before heading out onto the pitch — a gesture Barcelona appeared to reference in the image accompanying the post.
There is no shortage of inspiration Barcelona can draw upon to fuel their comeback bid. But for Yamal specifically, he also pointed to a source that resonates deeply on a personal level and for the club as a whole.
Yamal Remembers Neymar, Barcelona's Historic PSG Comeback
Yamal's deep admiration for childhood hero Neymar Jr. is well known. Ahead of the crucial showdown with Atlético, the teenager recalled how the Brazilian masterminded Barcelona's greatest-ever Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the 2016–17 round of 16.
"I've seen it many times [the comeback against PSG]," Yamal admitted. "I saw it live as well. I think Neymar is a player that marked my entire childhood, he's my idol and I'll be thankful for what he's given to soccer forever.
"I think he inspires us all, he's a player that you pay a ticket to watch him, he's a player that three games after a game you would watch it again just to see his plays. So I just want to thank him for what he's given soccer and hopefully he can be at the World Cup."
Nearly a decade on from Neymar's iconic role in that unforgettable comeback, Yamal is now poised to attempt something equally extraordinary.
Lamine Yamal Ready to Deliver on the Biggest Stage
Lamine Yamal is ready. pic.twitter.com/xVuThpZ8Xk
Barcelona's No. 10 appears fully aware that, much like James, Neymar and other all-time greats, elite players rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest. Yamal made no effort to conceal his eagerness to step up and make an impact when his club needs him most.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Yamal said of the second leg. "At the start of the season I was questioned a lot about my level, with the Pubalgia [groin injury], but I wanted to arrive to these moments because I think that's when the real players step up.
"We promise that if we get eliminated, it will be fighting until the end. We won't let a minute go by without pressing, without running, we're going to leave it all for this badge. I think it will be a game of 90 minutes or more, because we're certain that this isn't over and I think the comeback is very possible, that's why we're here."
Barcelona have never advanced in the Champions League knockout rounds after losing at home in the opening leg. Additionally, the Blaugrana have been knocked out of the competition both times they have faced Atlético Madrid at the quarterfinal stage.
Despite the weight of history and the burden of an 11-year Champions League title drought, Yamal remains firmly convinced in his team's capacity to rise to the challenge.
"A comeback is no miracle. We start 2–0 down, but I trust my team. We're eager to reach the semifinals and we'll give everything to do it."