Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has developed a new interest away from the football pitch, taking private cooking lessons at home to improve his culinary skills.
As reported by İdman.Biz, citing Spanish newspaper Sport, the young footballer has hired a professional chef who visits his home every evening to teach him how to prepare different dishes.
Yamal explained how the lessons work and admitted that learning to cook has proved more challenging than he initially expected.
"Yes, the chef comes to my house in the evenings. He prepares food for me while I watch the process and help with certain tasks. I'm learning gradually. It's difficult, but I'm making progress little by little," the Barcelona star said.
The Spanish international also emphasized the importance of the cooking skills and traditions he has learned from his mother.
Yamal is particularly interested in mastering two traditional dishes: couscous from Moroccan cuisine and peanut rice, a popular dish in Equatorial Guinea.
His choices reflect his family's cultural background. His father, Mounir, is originally from Morocco, while his mother, Sheila, comes from Equatorial Guinea. As a result, the cuisines of both countries have played an important role in Yamal's childhood memories.
Rice prepared with chicken and peanut sauce holds particular sentimental value for the footballer.
In an earlier interview with GQ España, Yamal revealed that his mother used to prepare the dish for him before matches to help him build up energy.
The Barcelona forward's comments about his growing passion for cooking feature in a documentary exploring his life beyond football.
The production examines Yamal's personal life, family and upbringing, as well as the meaning behind his famous "304" goal celebration.
The number refers to the postal code of Rocafonda, the neighborhood in Mataró where the footballer grew up. It has become a symbol of his connection to his roots and the community that shaped his early years.
According to Xavi Torres, one of the documentary's co-creators and directors, the film also explores broader social issues, including racism, migration, equal opportunities, the future of younger generations and the cultural diversity of Catalan society.
