Lamine Yamal's 18th birthday party has been one of the most talked-about and criticized events in the recent Spanish media landscape. What seemed to be a private celebration among friends turned, within hours, into the center of a national controversy. However, Joan Laporta has come to the young talent's defense with statements that have surprised many for their sincerity.
A birthday that made headlines
Lamine Yamal celebrated reaching adulthood surrounded by friends, influencers, artists, and well-known faces from the digital world. What was intended to be an intimate and laid-back party ended up in the media because of details that many have labeled as insensitive: the presence of promo girls and entertainers with dwarfism.
These elements sparked a flood of divided opinions. For some, it was a tasteless choice. For others, it was simply a youthful party without greater significance. In every case, Lamine ended up at the center of the debate about the limits of public figures' private leisure.
Youth, focus, and exposure
At just 18, Lamine Yamal is already a European soccer star. His performance at Barça and with the Spanish national team has catapulted him to fame. But that fame comes at a price: every step he takes is scrutinized closely.
Many forget that he's still a teenager. Even though he plays like a veteran, he lives his life like any young person his age. Like any 18-year-old, he chose to celebrate in his own way, with friends and without thinking too much about the repercussions.
The party has been judged as if it were a political act. The truth is that it was a private event, outside the professional environment, and with no sporting consequences.
Laporta, clear and direct
Amid the controversy, Joan Laporta was quick to respond. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Barça president defended his player clearly. He said: "It was a private party, and everything Lamine does will be in the spotlight."
"It was a private party and everything Lamine does will be in the spotlight. For me, he had an 18th birthday party, and what I regret is not having gone," he stated naturally.
Laporta also highlighted that it was an "extraordinary" celebration, with an elegant and cheerful atmosphere. He valued that the Barça winger was surrounded by people from his generation: influencers, TikTokers, YouTubers, singers... people he identifies with.
Above all, he emphasized something essential: "He trains as much as anyone." That's what really matters to Laporta.