On July 12, Yamal threw an extravagant 18th birthday party at a luxury villa in Olivella, near Barcelona. With a “mafia” theme and nearly 250 attendees—including fellow players Gavi, Balde, and international artists Bizarrap and Bad Gyal—the celebration soon made headlines for its entertainment choices.

Specifically, controversy erupted over the inclusion of a performance by artists with dwarfism, leading to allegations of violating Spain’s disability rights laws, which prohibit using individuals with disabilities for entertainment in demeaning contexts. Spain’s Ministry of Social Affairs has since requested a formal investigation, and the disability rights group ADEE filed a legal complaint, accusing the party of “violating human dignity.”

While some voices defended the event, including one performer who stated they were treated professionally and respectfully, the debate has sparked national discourse on the ethics, legality, and labor rights of performers with disabilities.

As the controversy escalates, Barcelona has taken cautious steps, canceling the public No. 10 jersey ceremony that was planned to celebrate Yamal’s contract extension until 2031. Originally intended as a symbolic generational handover, the event was replaced with a low-key, private handoff, avoiding media coverage.

The club has also refrained from featuring the No. 10 on its new season kit, leaving fans puzzled and underscoring their deliberate media silence during the storm. The decision suggests Barcelona is treading carefully, aiming to eventually restore Yamal’s image without fueling further controversy.

Meanwhile, Yamal resumed training with coach Hansi Flick and 36 other players on July 14 at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, including new signing Joan García, as the club quietly begins preparations for the upcoming season.

Though still just 18, Lamine Yamal’s journey is already marked by both promise and pressure—balancing the weight of the No. 10 legacy and the complexities of public life off the pitch.