FC Barcelona went into the mid-season Christmas break on a positive note, securing a 2-0 win over Villarreal that consolidated their position at the top of the La Liga table. Following the loss to Chelsea in November, the Catalans have picked up seven wins in a row in all competitions and have momentum on their side heading into the decisive half of the campaign.
After some time away from the pitch and following a long recovery, the time has come to make something important public. I have made the decision to retire. A little over a year ago, I suffered a knee injury which, unfortunately, prevents me from returning to compete at the highest level. It was hard to accept that I couldn't continue. Thank you to my family for always being there, to everyone for the love and support. Thank you, football, for making me who I am.
FC Barcelona did not just end the year as La Liga leaders; they did so with 169 goals scored in 60 official matches. It is a number that immediately places this team in rare company and links it directly to the most glorious attacking chapters in the club's history. As such, only four Barcelona sides have ever surpassed that total in a calendar year,
The Brazilian posted a video on his social media accounts earlier today, confirming that he was bringing down the curtains on his playing career in football. Following the announcement, FC Barcelona have sent a touching message congratulating the former La Masia graduate on his career and wishing him well for what lies ahead. "Thank you for your football and for defending these colours with pride and commitment. Good luck in this new stage, Rafinha," the message from Barcelona read.
Following a heavy challenge by Renato Veiga that resulted in a straight red card, Yamal became the clear target of the home supporters. In fact, sections of the Villarreal crowd felt the Barcelona youngster had exaggerated the contact. Whether fair or not, the verdict from the stands was immediate. Every touch from Barça's number 10 was met with loud whistles and constant jeers.
A troubling report has shed light on the scale of abuse faced by Lamine Yamal, highlighting the darker side of fame that now follows one of Barcelona's brightest stars. It is said that the teenage forward accounted for 6% of all hate messages linked to sport on social media during the month of November. The data comes from the Spanish Observatory of Racism and Xenophobia (Oberaxe) (h/t AS), which monitors racist and xenophobic behaviour online.
When it comes to attacking output across an entire calendar year, FC Barcelona still set a benchmark that even one of Europe's most potent offences in 2025 could not surpass. Barcelona's incredible 180-goal haul in 2015 remains the official record for the most goals scored in a calendar year by any club in football history. That tally was achieved under then-manager Luis Enrique, with a frontline boasting Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, who combined for the lion's share of those strikes
