Want my autograph? Pay up first

We live in capitalism — and in capitalism, money is everything. No one has the right to be angry when someone finds a new way to make money, but the case of Lamine Yamal shows that, as a society, we might have gone a bit too far. Because Barcelona’s ace, one of today’s most popular athletes, will stop giving autographs — so that he can sell them.

Dinner with Yamal's mother? Yes, for a certain price

Well, not him personally, but through a specialized website for collectors and die-hard fans. This site sells various memorabilia signed by the most famous athletes. According to the local outlet Mundo Deportivo, which is closely connected to Barca, Yamal has received an offer, and the deal is done. That means Yamal will no longer sign anything unless someone pays for it. According to Mundo’s club sources, the Spanish international will still take photos with fans, but an autograph will have to be purchased. And the fewer there are — the more expensive they’ll be. Hence, the growing distance from supporters.

Flick & Deco dispute over Barca's 'Jupiter' Yamal, and the German isn't happy

Moreover, Yamal’s marketing team reportedly doesn’t plan to flood the website with his autographs as if on an assembly line. The idea is to keep the number of signed “memorabilia” low so that the prices rise even higher.

This kind of profit-making is, of course, yet another trend Europe has imported from the United States. And Yamal isn’t the first to do it. LeBron James and Lionel Messi have been doing it for years — Messi’s signed jersey now goes for at least 1000 dollars, while LeBron’s can easily exceed 15000, since American collectors are more willing to pay big money. Even a signed photo of King James can reach 6000 dollars. The only question is — when is it enough? Lamine Yamal is only 18 years old, earning around 15 million euros a year, plus sponsorship deals with Adidas, Beats, Powerade, Konami, Oppo, and Nesquik. Then again, who among us would say no to a few million more if the opportunity arose?

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 9

Friday

Oviedo - Espanyol 0-2 (0-0)

/Garcia 70, Milla 82/

Saturday

15.00: (1.87) Sevilla (3.45) Mallorca (4.40)

17.15: (1.22) Barcelona (7.75) Girona (13.0)

19.30: (1.95) Villareal (3.50) Betis (3.90)

22.00: (1.40) Atletico Madrid (4.50) Osasuna (8.50)

Sunday

15.00: (3.50) Elche (3.20) Athletic Bilbao (2.20)

17.15: (2.20) Celta (3.40) Sociedad (3.30)

19.30: (2.85) Levante (3.25) Rayo Vallecano (2.55)

22.00: (8.00) Getafe (4.40) Real Madrid (1.43)

Monday

22.00: (2.30) Alaves (3.10) Valencia (3.40)

***odds are subject to change***