Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, widely regarded as one of football’s brightest young talents, finds himself at the center of a storm following his 18th birthday celebration. The Spanish government has launched an investigation into the event, held on July 13, 2025, after allegations surfaced that individuals with dwarfism were hired as entertainers, prompting accusations of discrimination and exploitation. The controversy has cast a shadow over Yamal’s meteoric rise, with Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights and the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) condemning the event as a violation of disability rights.
The lavish, mafia-themed party took place at a private estate in Olivella, a small town northwest of Barcelona, and was attended by approximately 200 guests, including Barcelona teammates Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, and Raphinha. The celebration, which featured a performance by Dominican rapper El Alfa and a reported £300,000 chain gifted to Yamal, was initially shared through a one-minute Instagram video posted by the player. The video showcased moments of poker, roulette, and dancing but did not depict the individuals with dwarfism whose presence has sparked the controversy. Reports indicate that these individuals were hired to perform acts such as dancing, serving drinks, and magic tricks, which ADEE has labeled as “degrading” and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has formally requested the country’s prosecutor’s office to investigate whether the event breached disability laws, which have prohibited such practices for nearly three years. ADEE, a member of the Spanish Confederation of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities (COCEMFE), issued a strongly worded statement denouncing the hiring of people with dwarfism for entertainment purposes. “It’s unacceptable that in the 21st century, people with dwarfism continue to be used as entertainment at private parties, particularly when public figures like Lamine Yamal are involved,” said ADEE President Carolina Puente. “This perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the dignity and rights of people with disabilities.” The organization has vowed to pursue legal action, with potential fines of up to £867,000 if Yamal is found to have violated Spanish anti-discrimination laws.
However, the narrative is not without counterpoints. An individual claiming to be one of the performers at the party spoke to Spanish radio station RAC1, defending Yamal and asserting that the entertainers were treated respectfully. “We are only asking they let us work. We have our own contracts, we are normal people, self-employed, and do everything legally,” the anonymous performer stated. “What ADEE is doing right now is discrediting our work as professionals. We do this job because we want to. Nobody is forcing us.” The performer emphasized that they joined the party as guests after their hour-long performance, arguing that the backlash was amplified solely because of Yamal’s high profile. “All this fuss has come about purely because it was Lamine Yamal’s party,” they added.
Further complicating the situation, Spanish model Claudia Calvo has claimed she declined an invitation to the event after organizers made “weird demands” regarding specific physical characteristics, including breast size and hair color, for female attendees. These allegations have added fuel to the controversy, raising questions about the overall conduct at the event.
Yamal, who recently signed a six-year contract with Barcelona and is tipped to inherit the club’s iconic No. 10 shirt, has not publicly commented on the allegations. His representatives and Barcelona FC have also remained silent when approached by media outlets. The investigation’s outcome could have significant implications for Yamal, whose reputation as a role model for young athletes is now under scrutiny.