FC Barcelona has just sealed one of the most promising signings in their history without having to spend a single euro on transfer fees. Lamine Yamal, at just 17 years old, renewed his contract until 2031 and has become the club's brightest jewel. His meteoric breakthrough in the first team, especially during the season of the national treble, has sparked a genuine media frenzy.
The mystery of "19.3" on Instagram
Everything began when Lamine's father, Mounir Nasraoui, posted a picture on Instagram with his son at Palau blaugrana, accompanied by an enigmatic "19.3". Since that moment, the number hasn't stopped generating debate. A nod to the number 19 and the three titles? José Álvarez said: "Lamine wears 19."
A million-euro salary or a symbolic number?
Santi Valle, from Cadena SER, says that 19.3M would be Lamine's net annual salary, with bonuses that include winning the Ballon d'Or. However, he clarified that if it were gross, that amount wouldn't make him the highest-paid player on the squad.
Manu Carreño also pointed out: "If it's gross, 19.3M is below what Lewandowski earns, which is 26M." Even so, Santi Valle insisted that with the bonuses, Yamal could get close to 20M net, which would place him in a privileged position despite his youth.
Meanwhile, some fans and experts have interpreted the "19.3" from a symbolic or even religious perspective. They have ventured to link it to numerological passages from the Quran or important dates for the Nasraoui family.
The official version: silence and a billion-euro release clause
Despite the speculation, neither FC Barcelona nor the player's entourage have confirmed the exact meaning of "19.3". The only official information is the renewal until 2031 with a release clause that keeps its astronomical figure: 1 billion euros.
In the signing photo, Nasraoui wrote: "We are a family," next to blue and red hearts, the club's colors. Jorge Mendes, the footballer's agent, and Sheila, his mother, were present, celebrating that historic moment.
What does "19.3" really mean?
The enigma remains unsolved. "19.3" has become the numerical game of the summer for Barça fans, who debate whether it's a salary code, a personal tribute, or simply a family joke.
Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal is preparing to face the pressure with the maturity of a veteran. In the words of José Álvarez, "he's laughing" at all the commotion the number has caused.
We'll have to wait for Lamine himself or his entourage to clarify the mystery. What is certain is that his future and talent shine much brighter than any number.