A mural dedicated to celebrating the 18th birthday of Barcelona’s young football talent, Lamine Yamal, has been seriously vandalized amid a public controversy surrounding the lavish and controversial birthday party he hosted.
Originally, the mural depicted Yamal as a Superman-like superhero, with the letter “L” replacing the iconic “S” on his chest, symbolizing the high expectations the city of Barcelona has placed on him. Recently, journalist Edu Polo shared images showing the artwork defaced with crude graffiti featuring characters from **”Snow White’s Seven Dwarfs”**—a mocking reference linked to allegations of “exploiting little people” at Yamal’s birthday celebration.
Earlier, fake images circulated online, but reporters at the scene have confirmed that this vandalism is genuinely real.
The controversy originated from the birthday party held on July 13 with around 200 guests, including friends, family, and teammates. The event took place at a private villa styled after a “Mafia” theme. Photos from the party showed the presence of individuals with achondroplasia (a form of dwarfism) alongside scantily clad models.
Some sources revealed that the models were selected based on criteria such as “blond hair and prominent bust,” receiving payment of up to €20,000 to attend the event.
Spanish model Claudio Calvo—Miss Teenager Europe 2022—disclosed that she declined the invitation after discovering inappropriate demands from the organizers. She stated, “I didn’t know exactly what they wanted, just that I needed to ‘have fun’ for 24 hours. They were looking for girls either like models or escorts.”
In response, Jesús Martín, Director General for Disability Affairs in the Spanish government, called for an official investigation, stating in an interview with Marca, “We are concerned when wealthy and powerful people believe they are above the law. The law applies equally to everyone—from the humble to the rich.”
So far, neither Yamal nor his representatives have issued a statement. However, the incident has provoked widespread criticism, especially given that Yamal serves as a role model for many young fans. This scandal has seriously tarnished the image of one of La Masia’s brightest prospects, with actions perceived as irresponsible and unbefitting a top Spanish football star.
Sources: Marca,Naver