The historic e-mail that snatched future Ballon d’Or candidate from Espanyol to Barcelona

The historic e-mail that snatched future Ballon d’Or candidate from Espanyol to Barcelona

In January 2015, a seven-year-old boy was making waves at CF La Torreta, a small membership based mostly in La Roca del Valles, Barcelona. 

Born in July 2007, his expertise on the pitch was already not possible to disregard, attracting consideration from among the largest youth academies in Catalonia. 

Coaches and scouts had began taking discover, recognising that this younger footballer had distinctive potential.

Amongst these intently following his progress was Oscar Hernandez, who on the time was working because the coordinator of FC Barcelona’s under-10 group. He had been conserving tabs on this promising younger participant, satisfied that he had come throughout a particular expertise.

A narrative that would have modified every little thing

Nevertheless, in February 2015, he discovered that CF La Torreta was on the verge of finalising a collaboration settlement with Espanyol. 

Realising that point was of the essence, Hernandez determined to behave shortly. He despatched an e-mail to Marc Serra, who was previously answerable for La Masia, urging him to rearrange a trial for the teenager as quickly as attainable. 

📸 IMAGEN EXCLUSIVA @JijantesFC

Este es el correo que envió Oscar Hernández (coordinador de prebenjamines del Barça) a Marc Serra (ex coordinador de fútbol 7) epara solicitar que Lamine Yamal fuera a probar con el Barça.

El Espanyol iba tras él y el Barça actuó a tiempo. pic.twitter.com/KWb0oWlSsY

— Jijantes FC (@JijantesFC) February 13, 2025

He knew that if Barcelona didn’t transfer quick, the participant may slip by way of their fingers and find yourself becoming a member of Espanyol as a substitute. That boy was Lamine Yamal. 

Now, in 2025, he’s 17 years outdated and considered among the best footballers on the earth.

The historic e-mail

Not too long ago Jijantes revealed the e-mail Hernandez had despatched, shedding mild on how Barcelona secured considered one of their most prized abilities. 

The message made it clear that there was a small window of alternative to carry Lamine Yamal to La Masia earlier than Espanyol formalised their settlement with CF La Torreta.

“We would like him to return and take a look at the kid born in 2007. LAMINE YAMAL NASRAQUI EBANA (Prebenjamín “A”). At most in two weeks he can be right here,” learn the e-mail.

Following the e-mail, Barcelona wasted no time. They organized for Lamine Yamal to participate in trial matches, making certain that they obtained forward of Espanyol within the race for his signature. 

“We should do that administration throughout this week since this membership throughout the month of February will signal a contract of collaboration with Espanyol. Greetings, Oscar Hernandez,” it added.

By the age of 15, he had already made his first-team debut for Barcelona underneath Xavi. In the meantime, Hernandez has since moved on from Barça’s youth setup.