Lamine Yamal signs new Barcelona contract with giant release clause and golden bonus twist

Vishal Bhawani

Lamine Yamal signs new Barcelona contract with giant release clause and golden bonus twist image

Barcelona have locked down one of their brightest stars for the long haul. Lamine Yamal, just 17 years old, has signed a fresh six-year contract that ties him to the club until 2031.

The new deal reflects not just faith in the youngster's talent but also Barcelona’s intent to build their future around him.

The announcement came from the club earlier this week, with president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco present as Yamal inked the paperwork.

It's the kind of signing Barca fans will be hoping comes with silverware — and not just the signature.

The deal isn’t just long — it’s loaded. If all bonuses are triggered, Yamal will become Barcelona’s top earner, surpassing Robert Lewandowski.

That includes performance-based incentives, signing fees, and a very special bonus if he gets his hands on the Ballon d’Or.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

A reminder: he’s still not even 18.

How much will clubs need to pay to trigger Lamine Yamal's release clause?

Let’s just say it’ll take more than digging through the sofa cushions. Yamal’s new release clause stands at a jaw-dropping €1 billion (yes, billion with a "b").

As per The Athletic, the 17-year-old prodigy is set to earn just under €40 million (£33.5m) per year before tax if he hits all his performance-related bonuses, which include a lucrative Ballon d'Or clause.

His base salary alone is around €30 million annually, a staggering leap from the modest €3 million he earned last season.

With Spanish tax rates slicing off roughly 50%, Yamal will still pocket close to €20 million net per year, making him Barcelona’s highest-paid player in the current squad.

That figure isn’t just for show — it’s a statement. Barcelona don’t want suitors calling anytime soon, and if they do, they better bring a billionaire friend.

It’s a familiar figure for fans. The same €1bn clause appeared in Yamal’s previous contract. But this time, the club has added a bonus shaped like a golden ball — literally.

A Ballon d’Or win now comes with an extra reward, turning personal glory into financial gold.

Deco summed it up on RAC1: “The best signing this summer? Lamine Yamal signing a new contract.”

On the pitch, Yamal has already proven his worth. His goals, assists, and fearless flair were crucial to Barcelona’s La Liga and Copa del Rey wins.

Off the pitch, he’s become the new face of the club — rising, marketable, and already setting new standards.

And while rivals may dream of snatching him away, Barcelona just put a massive "Keep Out" sign around their crown jewel.

Barcelona news and related links

Vishal Bhawani

Vishal Bhawani is a sub-editor for the Affiliate Content team and a writer and sub-editor for the Football Wires team at The Sporting News. Based in Indore, India, he holds a Diploma in Operations and Management from Maharashtra University.

Before joining TSN in May 2024, Vishal contributed to Football Express and Six Sports and ran his own blog, Anfield Home, as a passionate Liverpool fan. An avid traveler, he follows multiple sports, including cricket, soccer, and tennis.