Barcelona star Lamine Yamal will stop signing free autographs for fans.
Reports from Spain say his management has made this decision after he agreed to a deal with a specialist merchandising website.
The site will sell his official signed shirts boots and photos.
(Mundo Deportivo)
He will still take selfies with fans but he will not sign shirts or items in public anymore. Yamal’s team wants to protect the value of his signature.
If he signs too many items his autograph loses value.
By limiting it each signed product becomes rare and more special.This is common in the United States where stars often sell signed items through official stores.
Now European footballers are starting to do the same.
Many fans will be sad that they can’t get free autographs anymore.
But Yamal’s team says the change will help avoid fake signatures and give fans a safe way to buy real ones.
Barcelona will still get a small number of signed items for official use, such as charity events and club sales. The new plan means Yamal’s signed shirts will cost money, but they will also come with proof of authenticity.
Yamal is one of football’s brightest young stars.
He already earns millions from his salary and sponsorships.
Controlling his autograph is part of building his brand.
His management wants to treat his signature like a premium product just like limited edition sneakers or trading cards. By doing this. Yamal joins a growing list of athletes who turn fan demand into business. Lamine Yamal’s move is not just about money.
It shows how modern footballers are managing their image and business carefully.
If done well it could make his brand stronger.
But he must also keep fans close because their support is what makes any star shine.
