“I Didn’t See It Coming!”: Lamine Yamal Reacts to Cena’s Heel Turn

At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal is already one of the most exciting young footballers on the planet, but that doesn’t mean he’s not taking time to enjoy the moment. With the weight of a nation’s hopes on his shoulders, he’s moving forward with calm, clarity, and a love for the game that stretches beyond the pitch.

The FC Barcelona forward is carrying immense expectations on his shoulders. But thanks to Powerade’s Power of Pause campaign, Yamal is learning the importance of slowing things down to stay grounded. “Everything in my life has happened fast. So many games, so many moments, all eyes on me. What Powerade is doing is reminding athletes that it’s okay to breathe–to pause–really connects with me,” he told Complex.

But pausing doesn’t mean slowing down his love for sports: Yamal’s passion extends beyond the pitch. In March, when the WWE rolled into Barcelona, he was front and center. “That night was crazy. Being ringside, meeting Triple H, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes was a dream. I’ve watched these guys since I was little,” he says.

And when the conversation turns to John Cena’s recent heel turn, Yamal lights up. “I didn’t see it coming! Cena was always the hero growing up. But I kind of love this version because it’s different, it’s bold. It’s like when a player changes position and surprises everyone. You see a new side.”

That love for unpredictability mirrors his style on the pitch: creative, fearless, and unafraid to take risks. But at the core of it all is a deep connection to where he comes from, Rocafonda, a neighborhood in Mataró, just outside Barcelona. Whether it's his “304” celebration or the tribute stitched into his boots, Yamal carries Rocafonda onto every pitch he steps on. “I wouldn’t be here without Rocafonda. It’s not just where I’m from, it’s who I am,” he said. “Every time I play, I try to make sure people see that.”

That mix of groundedness and explosive talent has led many to call Yamal a prodigy. The title sits heavily, but he’s learning to balance it. “It’s a big word. ‘Prodigy.’ But I try not to think about it too much. I just focus on playing my game and staying true to myself.”

That self-awareness will serve him well as he prepares for what’s next: a debut at the FIFA World Cup in 2026. “The World Cup is everything. I’m excited, a little nervous, but mostly proud. I’ve been watching the tournament since I was a kid. Now it’s my turn.”

With a calm beyond his years and a deep sense of who he is, Yamal is navigating football’s global spotlight with grace and taking Powerade’s message to heart. “Sometimes the most powerful move is to pause, reflect, and then go even harder. That’s where the real strength is.”

As the world watches, Lamine Yamal isn't just rising. He's resetting the rhythm of what greatness can look like.