FC Barcelona disappointed again in the Champions League, but Lamine Yamal shone once again. Author of a goal and an assist against Club Bruges, the young 18-year-old prodigy avoided defeat for the Blaugrana. However, his performances are not enough to silence the hate speech to which he is the subject.
According to a report from the Spanish Observatory of Racism and Xenophobia (Oberaxe), cited by El País60% of racist attacks recorded on social networks targeting footballers in Spain target Lamine Yamal. The Barça striker is thus the main victim of discriminatory remarks, far ahead of Vinicius Junior, who accounts for 30%.
“They should send him back from Spain”
The report highlights peaks of hatred during major events, particularly after the Clasico in October 2024, won by Barça. It was then that Yamal was violently targeted. Among the messages noted: “As much as he plays for Spain, he will always remain a “moro” (Arab)”
or even “They should send him back from Spain the way he came, in a patera (boat)”.
Lamine Yamal is unfortunately not an isolated case. Other players like Iñaki and Nico Williams, Kylian Mbappé, Alejandro Baldé, Brahim Díaz, Raphinha and Ansu Fati are also among the targets, although to a lesser extent. 97% of identified content uses aggressive or dehumanizing language, with racist, homophobic or sexist insults. A reality which further tarnishes the image of Spanish football.
