Lamine Yamal set to follow Lionel Messi by signing 'Michael Jordan contract' that could make him millions

Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal is set to follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham by becoming one of Adidas' signature players.

Earlier this year, Yamal agreed a long-term partnership with sportswear manufacturer Adidas, who announced that the teenager would wear the 'X Crazyfast' line of boots in European and domestic competition.

Since his emergence on the scene, Lamal, 17, has been tipped to one day become Adidas' flagship player once Lionel Messi decides to retire.

And earlier this week, a report from FootyHeadlines suggests the teenager will become an Adidas signature player, meaning he will have his own signature logo and boots in the not-so-distant future.

In fact, if Messi's partnership with the brand is anything to go by, then Barcelona's number 19 will soon have his own clothing range, amongst other collections.

As a result of his 'outstanding performances' for club and country, Lamal is also 'well placed' to become Adidas' top ambassador for the speed boot silo, according to the above report.

“I am proud to join adidas as they have always been the brand of the best," the Barcelona forward said back in February, after the news emerged around the partnership.

"Growing up, I idolized Leo Messi who has been with Adidas since I first started watching football. I look forward to the many years ahead with Adidas.”

Lamal's reported deal with Adidas is quite remarkable considering his age. NBA legend Michael Jordan, for example, was only 21-years-old when he signed a five-year endorsement deal with Nike.

Earlier this month, Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was full of praise for the 17-year-old. "You have to give credit where credit is due," Rudiger told The Inside Scoop podcast.

"He is 17. It's ridiculous. The player he is already for [Barcelona] at 17, it's quite scary. What he did in the Euros, you have to give kudos to him. He has a great future ahead."

Image credit: Getty

Rudiger added: "I think [Barcelona] has a player who has a [big] career and hopefully, he will stay healthy."

It has been a year to remember for Lamal, who became the youngest player to score at the European Championship before being named the Young Player of the Tournament.

After making 50 appearances for Barcelona during the 2023/24 campaign, he is on course to break more records for the Catalan club.