Lamine Yamal Under Fire: Backlash Over Dwarf Hire At 18th Birthday Celebration

Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation widely regarded as the “next Messi” at FC Barcelona, has found himself at the center of a growing controversy following his extravagant 18th birthday celebration.

The event, held in a rented residence in Olivella — a small town on the outskirts of Barcelona — reportedly drew a host of celebrities, including musicians, influencers, YouTubers, and fellow Barcelona stars such as Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. However, what sparked public outrage wasn’t the star-studded guest list but the presence of several individuals with dwarfism, allegedly hired for entertainment purposes.

According to IREPORTER ONLINE, media personnel stationed outside the property captured footage of these individuals entering the venue, prompting backlash from advocacy groups and public officials. Spain’s Director General for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Jesús Martín Blanco, has reportedly demanded an investigation into the incident. Similarly, the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE) condemned the act, describing it as “a violation of ethical values” and indicated plans to pursue legal action.

Yamal, who rose to international prominence after his breakout performance at UEFA Euro 2024—where he was named Young Player of the Tournament—has yet to respond publicly. FC Barcelona and his management have also remained silent amid the criticism.

Despite the uproar, one of the dwarfs hired for the party defended their participation in a local radio interview. “We are only asking to be allowed to work,” the performer stated. “We’re professionals, self-employed, and we work under legal contracts. What the association is doing right now is discrediting our work.”

The unnamed artist added that they had long enjoyed their careers as entertainers and felt the backlash was unfair. “Nobody forces us to do this. We enjoy what we do.”

Still, the controversy adds to a string of recent personal troubles for Yamal. Just weeks earlier, the young footballer was entangled in a scandal involving a 29-year-old adult film actress, who claimed to possess voice notes from him. Yamal maintains he rejected her advances, while she alleges otherwise.

According to IREPORTER ONLINE, the situation continues to generate heated discussion across Spanish media and social platforms, with many calling on Yamal and FC Barcelona to clarify the events.

As of now, neither Yamal nor the club has issued any official statement regarding the incident, according to IREPORTER ONLINE.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”