Lamine Yamal, the rising soccer superstar from Barcelona and the Spanish national team, is currently facing a government investigation following his extravagant 18th birthday party. This high-profile event, which took place over the weekend, featured entertainers with dwarfism, sparking widespread backlash and concerns regarding the treatment of individuals with disabilities.
Yamal, who has quickly become one of the most notable figures in soccer, celebrated his milestone birthday with a glamorous event attended by numerous celebrities. His remarkable performance on the field has already led Barcelona to secure three major titles: La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España. The talented forward has also made headlines for his lucrative contract, signed in May, which pays him $17.3 million annually and keeps him at the club until 2031. Moreover, his contract comes with a staggering $1.1 billion release clause, deterring rival clubs from pursuing him.
Despite his success, Yamal now finds himself at the center of controversy. Footage from his birthday party has circulated online, revealing several individuals with dwarfism leaving the event, which had a mafia theme. This has raised serious allegations of exploitation, prompting the ADEE – Spain’s Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasia – to threaten legal action against the young star. ADEE President Carolina Puente expressed her discontent, stating, “It’s unacceptable that in the 21st century, people with dwarfism continue to be used as entertainment at private parties.”
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Social Rights has initiated an investigation to determine whether the event violated disability laws that protect individuals from being mocked or denigrated. Jesús Martín, Spain’s General Director of Disability, emphasized the importance of accountability, asserting, “The law is for everyone, for the humble and the powerful.” If Yamal is found guilty of breaching these laws, he could face fines amounting to $1.1 million.
Amidst the backlash, one of the entertainers involved has come to Yamal's defense. Speaking to Spanish radio station RAC1, the entertainer stated, “No one disrespected us; let us work in peace. We’re normal people who do what we want, in an absolutely legal way.” The performer criticized ADEE for allegedly humiliating individuals with dwarfism and claimed that they were simply doing their jobs as entertainers.
Adding to the controversy, model Claudia Calvo has claimed that Yamal paid for 12 women with specific physical attributes to attend the party. Calvo, who was Miss Teenager Spain in 2021, declined the invitation after receiving a list of demands regarding appearance. She revealed to Tardear TV that attendees were offered between $A18,000 – $A35,000 to participate, but strict requirements regarding their looks were imposed.
Despite the unfolding drama, images and videos from the event showcase a lavish celebration filled with glamorous guests, including fellow Barcelona stars and entertainers. Yamal, who just turned 18, has shared a highlight reel from the party on Instagram, which has already garnered over a million likes from his 36 million followers. The video features Yamal in a stylish white suit, showcasing a new $400,000 necklace gifted by Dominican rapper El Alfa, and includes glimpses of casino-themed games and a live DJ.
As Lamine Yamal prepares for his upcoming preseason with Barcelona, starting on July 27 against Vissel Kobe in Japan, the soccer world will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds. The young athlete's future, both on and off the field, may be affected by the ongoing investigation and public scrutiny surrounding his birthday celebrations.
