Atletico vs Barcelona: Lamine Yamal stands against all

During Barcelona's visit to Atletico in a key season match, Lamine Yamal was the focal point, not just in terms of skill but also in his resistance to racism.

Lamine Yamal was insulted at Cornella during Spain's 0-0 friendly against Egypt. In Madrid, malicious individuals might target him as Vinicius once endured.

Yamal is drawn into the battle

Racism in football once again embarrassed Spain internationally, with a condemnable wave of incidents densely occurring in the recent friendly against Egypt. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) faces severe penalties and loses points in the bid to host the 2030 World Cup final – an event taking place in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco (along with some centenary matches in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay). Lamine Yamal responded in his own unique way.

Lamine directly addressed those lacking tolerance: "I am a Muslim, Alhamdulillah (thanks to God)." After being the most cheered player when the stadium's speaker system announced the starting lineup by coach Luis de la Fuente at Cornella, Barcelona's star felt saddened hearing Spanish fans turn the friendly into a "vomit" of racism.

"On the field, the chant 'who doesn't jump is a Muslim' was heard. I know it targeted the opposing team and not me personally, but as a Muslim, it is still disrespectful and unacceptable," Yamal shared. This message was carefully considered before posting on social media. He did not write in anger but aimed to raise awareness.

Behind the somewhat impulsive image the public sees in Lamine – the clearest example being his 18th birthday celebration – is a young man deeply connected to his social class, race, and religion. He frequently returns to Rocafonda (Mataro), donating tickets and match shirts to fundraise at his first club La Torreta, and sponsors a music project in Peranton, Granollers – where he studied before moving to La Masia. Yamal also maintains ties with Morocco, his father's homeland. In fact, the African national team once invited him.

"I once considered playing for Morocco, but when the decision moment came, I never hesitated. I always love Morocco, but I always wanted to play in the EURO. I grew up in Spain and also feel it is my country," Lamine explained in an interview with CBS.

Cannot stay silent

As a bridge between Morocco and Spain, a symbol of a new generation of Spaniards, Lamine Yamal often ignores racists. "As if he has a plastic layer covering his skin. Most things slide off. Issues that others might struggle with, he accepts calmly. Thus, he does not victimize himself against racism," those around him share.

Therefore, during the "Classic" match in October 2024 at Bernabeu, when shouts from the stands targeted him and Raphinha with words like "trash immigrants," "bastards," "black guys," the Barcelona player responded with indifference. "When someone insults you, perhaps they were raised that way or lacked proper education. So, you shouldn't mind and just keep moving forward," he said.

But Lamine's indifference stopped at Cornella, similar to Vinicius, though they reacted differently. After being substituted, Yamal appeared somber. Not due to the substitution – "that was agreed with coach De la Fuente" – but because of the racist remarks he heard.

"I understand not all fans are like that, but for those singing such things, using religion to mock on the football field makes you ignorant and racist people," Lamine asserted strongly. "Football is for enjoyment and cheering, not for insulting others for who they are or what they believe. That said, thanks to those who came to support us. See you at the World Cup."

Vinicius reacted strongly in 2023: "This is not the first, second, or third time. Racism is normal in La Liga. The league considers it normal, RFEF does too, and opposing teams even encourage it. I apologize. The league once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano, and Messi now belongs to racists."

Yamal expressed himself more moderately than Vinicius. Both Lamine and Vini sincerely oppose those lacking tolerance. In some way, it is also an embrace for his community, whom he never forgets. Metropolitano is one of Spain's most hostile stadiums. But ultimately, the league does not belong to those deficient in spirit. La Liga today belongs to Yamal, to Vini, or to Kylian Mbappe.