On 12/7, Yamal celebrated his 18th birthday. The young star first held a small party at a restaurant with family and friends, followed by a larger celebration at a separate venue. He invited over 200 guests, including teammates from Barca, the Buyer Brothers, TheGrefg, SofiG, IlloJuan, and IShowSpeed. According to Marca, Yamal also hired a group of little people for entertainment.
Spanish law prohibits performances that use people with disabilities in a way that causes ridicule or mockery.
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Lamine Yamal (second from left) with his mother and relatives at his birthday dinner on 12/7. Photo: Instagram |
Lamine Yamal (second from left) with his mother and relatives at his birthday dinner on 12/7. Photo: Instagram
ADEE, the Spanish Association of People with Skeletal Dysplasias, publicly condemned Yamal's actions. They confirmed they would pursue legal and social action to protect the dignity of people with disabilities. The association also expressed concern that the incident sends a harmful message to society, especially young people, that discrimination is acceptable.
"It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, people with dwarfism continue to be exploited for amusement at private parties, and even more serious when these acts involve public figures like Lamine Yamal," said Carolina Puente, president of ADEE. "The dignity and rights of our community are not entertainment for anyone, under any circumstances. We must eradicate the trivialization of difference and educate about respect and equality.”
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The group of little people arriving at Yamal's birthday party venue on 12/7. |
Gonzalo Miro, a political and football analyst and an Atletico fan, also expressed disappointment in Yamal. He believes that a person barely out of adolescence hiring little people for entertainment shows how young people are living in ways adults can't anticipate.
"Party aside, if I were a Barca fan, my only concern with Yamal would be whether this environment will cause his rising and promising career to be ruined at some point, or whether he is clear-headed enough to understand that the life of an elite athlete involves absolute dedication," Miro added.
Yamal made his professional debut at the end of the 2022-2023 season at the age of 15. A year later, the young star helped Spain win the Euro. In the 2024-2025 season, Yamal continued to shine, scoring 18 goals and providing 25 assists in 55 matches, helping Barca win La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey.
On 13/7, Yamal and his teammates returned to training. Later this month, Barca will tour Japan and South Korea in preparation for the 2025-2026 season.
Thanh Quy (according to Marca)
