He retired a while ago, but he still finds ways to make headlines. Adil Rami, former French international and now a commentator in his country's media, has sparked a firestorm. His words against Lamine Yamal have crossed borders.
No one expected such an attack, so direct, so personal... so unnecessary. He has caused outrage in many, but there are also others who agree with him and share the same opinion about the controversial Lamine Yamal.
It all goes back a long way. Specifically to the clash between France and Spain in the last European Championship. Spain won that match, and it left many mouths exposed, especially French ones.
Lamine Yamal replied on the field, but that hasn't calmed everyone. There are those who don't forget. Like Rami.
"Let him go, let him catch his plane"
On the "Rothen s’enflamme" show on RMC Sport, Rami didn't beat around the bush:
"I don't care what a 16-year-old kid says," he stated. But he didn't stop there.
"Let him go, let him catch his plane," he added with disdain.
But there was more. "Players who provoke before a match bother me," he said, accusing Lamine of having sought out conflict beforehand.
He finished with this gem:
"After the match, you can say whatever you want. But before, if you do that and then get injured or lose... you're dead."
A phrase that, more than criticism, sounds like a threat in a sporting tone. It's a warning that makes no sense when directed at someone under 17, as is the case with Lamine. Even less so with that tone.
He said more things:
-"I haven't been able to even look at him for two months. I couldn't care less if there are people happy, unhappy, Barcelona fans, Lamine fans... I don't care, I'm telling you the truth."
"In football terms, nothing to say. He's a star and will surely win Ballon d'Ors, European Cups, and anything you want. As for his behavior, screw him, that's clear enough..."
"The way he shook Cristiano Ronaldo's hand in the Nations League final didn't sit well with me. It all started there."
"There are things that catch my attention more. He throws parties and people are already talking about them. Wait a bit, son of a b...
He arrives, takes the number 10 jersey, and wears flashy things with diamonds... He thinks he's American, what a pain."
"I didn't like that he made videos where he talked about himself. Seeing him do the silly thing of pulling down his shorts, I showed you why kids did that and where it comes from... The story of pulled-down shorts comes from prisons in the United States and Mexico, it was the one who wanted to get 'fucked.'"
The reaction in France hasn't been unanimous. Many journalists have harshly criticized Rami for his intervention. They accuse him of "showing resentment and a lack of class."
Even on social media, a debate has erupted. Some applaud his "sincerity" and others believe he has publicly humiliated a minor.
Meanwhile, at Barça, the player's entourage hasn't wanted to make statements. But behind closed doors, Rami's words are considered an absolute lack of respect.
For now, Lamine has chosen to remain silent. But his entourage is hurt.
Personality that bothers
The truth is that Lamine Yamal hasn't done anything out of the ordinary. He replied at the time to Rabiot's words with a post on social media and then left a memorable goal.
He has personality, yes. But he also has football. That hurts those who can't control him.
Rami, retired for a long time, seems to be seeking the spotlight at the expense of those who shine. This time, the focus has been on the young Barça player.
A player who at 18 already has many enemies... but also has the football world at his feet.