Barcelona Star Lamine Yamal Battling Chronic Groin Injury, Reports Say

Barcelona and Spain’s young football sensation Lamine Yamal is reportedly suffering from a chronic groin condition that could affect the rest of his playing career. According to Spanish outlet Sport, the 18-year-old winger has been diagnosed with Pubalgia, an issue in the pubic area that doctors fear cannot be fully cured.

Yamal, widely seen as one of the brightest talents in world football, has already achieved remarkable success since making his first-team debut for Barcelona at just 15 years old in August 2023. He has won two La Liga titles and was part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning team, becoming a key figure for both club and country.

However, since the start of the 2025/26 season, Yamal has missed several matches in both La Liga and the Champions League due to the ongoing groin problem. Reports suggest that despite continuous treatment and management, the issue has persisted, leaving Barcelona’s medical staff concerned about its long-term impact.

The first signs of visible discomfort appeared during the recent El Clasico, when Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2–1. Observers noticed Yamal grimacing in pain throughout the match, although he managed to complete the full 90 minutes. His performance, by many accounts, appeared below his usual high standard, raising questions about his fitness.

Physiotherapist Lluis Puig, speaking to Sport, explained the nature of the injury: “First of all, we must say that pubalgia is not a muscle injury, but rather an alteration in the pubic area, where different muscles converge.” He added that recovery is not straightforward. “We have to work on different levels, and we can’t say that it’s an injury that will be gone in a month. No, we’ll have to live with it, and we’ll have to do preventative and compensatory work to give him the assurances to be able to play at the highest level.”

According to the report, Barcelona officials fear the condition could be permanent, requiring constant management throughout Yamal’s career. The club’s medical team is said to be implementing a special program to help the teenager cope with the physical demands of top-level football while minimizing the risk of further aggravation.

Pubalgia is not new to Barcelona’s medical department. Former club captain Lionel Messi previously revealed in 2019 that he also struggled with the same problem during his time at the club. Speaking to Buenos Aires radio station Club 94.7, Messi described how the recurring discomfort affected his performances before he eventually recovered enough to continue playing.

For Yamal, whose rise to prominence has been rapid and closely followed around the world, managing this chronic condition will be crucial as Barcelona, under manager Hansi Flick, continue their bid to defend the Spanish title. Whether the young forward can maintain his high level of play while dealing with a long-term physical issue remains an open question — one that both the club and fans will watch carefully in the months ahead.