He had everything planned to celebrate his majority in the splendor. Saturday evening, Lamine Yamal celebrated her 18th birthday in a private villa from Ibiza, surrounded by friends, teammates … and much more controversial. A few hours after the party, social networks ignited: according to several concordant testimonies, people with naism were recruited to animate the evening, triggering the indignation of part of public opinion and the immediate reaction of the authorities.
The birthday that turns to controversy
As of Monday, the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights seized the prosecution and the office for the fight against hatred crimes in order to determine whether the law on respecting the dignity of disabled people has been infringement. The case, deemed serious, could cost the Barça player dearly: if he is convicted, he risks a fine of up to a million euros. “The law applies to all, to powerful and to the most modest,” hammered Jesús Martín, Director General of Handicap.
The Association of people with Achondroplasia (ADEE) also published a press release denouncing “an attack on human dignity” and “discriminatory” practices. She announces legal and social actions against the player for having, according to her, “used disabled people for entertainment”, thus reinforcing degrading stereotypes.
18 years old and already a national controversy for Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal, an example deemed harmful to youth
What worries the authorities, beyond the potential breach of the law, is Yamal's influence on young people. “A young man also followed cannot return this type of image,” insists Jesús Martín. A position that underlines the new responsibilities of a player who is now an adult and emblematic of Spanish football.
For the time being, neither Lamine Yamal nor his entourage have reacted publicly. FC Barcelona, for its part, refuses to comment, probably awaiting the results of the survey. A prudent posture in a tense context, while calls for sanctions are multiplying.
Radio silence of the player and Barça
Despite the media storm, Yamal should resume training with Barça for the 2025-2026 season. But difficult to imagine that the controversy will not accompany each of its steps. This emerging scandal could permanently tarnish the image of a player hitherto perceived as a model.
Supposed to enter a new sporting era with ambition, Yamal begins his majority in turmoil. If the facts are proven, it is not only justice, but also public opinion which will have an attentive eye on the rest of his career.
