Concern has begun to grow at FC Barcelona regarding Lamine Yamal's image and off-field behavior. The young winger, on vacation in Brazil, has caused unease among the board after appearing at various parties accompanied by Neymar.
Lamine Yamal cumple el sueño de conocer a su ídolo Neymar | Telemundo Deportes
Although the club understands that Lamine has the right to rest after a demanding season, the images shared on social media haven't been well received. In them, he can be seen partying, enjoying the Brazilian nightlife in the company of Neymar and his circle.
A scene that doesn't involve any infraction does raise certain doubts at Barça about the kind of influence the footballer is receiving.
Deco takes action
The concern has reached the point where Deco has made a call to the player's circle to send a clear message. Barça trusts him, but expects maximum responsibility and commitment.
The warning is directed both at his family circle and at Lamine himself. The goal is to prevent the young prospect from getting caught up in environments that could distract him from his professional development.
Barça doesn't want to repeat past mistakes with other talents who found themselves surrounded by excessive media exposure and bad company. Yamal is expected to become a reference point for the new culé era, and the club wants to protect him at all costs.
In the spotlight of the tabloids
Another reason that has set off alarms at the club is Lamine Yamal's recent appearance in celebrity media. During his stay in Brazil, he has been linked to several young women in supposed romantic dates. This has caused significant interest from the tabloids in his private life.
This kind of media attention, unusual for a player just 17 years old, is especially concerning in the offices at Camp Nou. The club isn't questioning his personal freedom, but they do stress the importance of keeping a discreet profile and staying focused on sports. This is especially important at such a delicate stage in his development.
Barça's message: head, discretion, and work
The club insists that there is no sanction or open disciplinary file, but there is a clear warning: Lamine must stay focused. In his first season as a professional, he has shown a maturity beyond his years on the field, but now the challenge lies off it.
At Barça, they are certain that if Yamal keeps his feet on the ground and surrounds himself with people who prioritize his growth, he can make history in world soccer. That's why, more than a reprimand, Deco's call has been a gesture of protection: to remind him who he is, what he represents... and everything he still has left to achieve.