Young FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal marked his transition into adulthood with a high-profile private party that has stirred up criticism, complaints, and significant media attention. The footballer, who just turned 18, orchestrated an extravagant event featuring international artists and a meticulous plan for maximum secrecy.
The main celebration was held at a private estate in the Garraf region of Barcelona, attended by over 200 guests with strict restrictions on mobile phones and cameras. Despite these measures, images and videos from the event were leaked, shared by Yamal himself on social media. The theme was gangster-style, with Lamine dressed in white, wielding a cane, and adorned with an ostentatious chain and other jewelry, set against a backdrop that evoked a mobster gambling den.
The guest list included prominent urban music figures like Bizarrap, Duki, Nicki Nicole, Quevedo, Bad Gyal, Morad, Lola Indigo, Ryan Castro, and Chimbala, who performed live. Barcelona teammates such as Robert Lewandowski and Gavi, along with other well-known entertainment personalities, were also in attendance. The event production was managed by Bresh, a brand celebrated for its exclusive parties.
However, the glitz and fame were overshadowed by a series of public complaints. The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) announced plans to take legal action against Lamine Yamal for hiring individuals with dwarfism to entertain at the party, which they condemned as "demeaning and discriminatory." This was compounded by revelations from model Claudia Calvo, who disclosed on television that she was contacted to recruit "image girls" for the event. She revealed that young women were offered private jet travel, luxury hotel accommodations, and cards loaded with up to 20,000 euros for expenses. Although she declined the offer, she reported that strict secrecy was demanded, with no phones, no cameras, and the location kept undisclosed until the last moment.
The day began with a private family lunch, transforming later into a large-scale party that has dominated headlines in both sports and celebrity news worldwide. Now legally an adult, Lamine steps into a new chapter that extends beyond sports, sparking discussions about the public image he projects off the field.
As the preseason kicks off under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barcelona's youngest squad member embarks on a new phase of life, earning praise for his talent and facing scrutiny for his public exposure. A rising media figure, Lamine Yamal's future unfolds not only on the pitch but also amidst controversy.
Lamine Yamal's Controversial 18th Birthday Celebration
What was the theme of Lamine Yamal's birthday party?
The party was gangster-themed, featuring Lamine dressed in white with a cane, surrounded by a mobster gambling den atmosphere.
Who were some of the notable guests at the party?
Prominent urban music artists such as Bizarrap, Duki, Nicki Nicole, and Quevedo attended, along with Barcelona teammates like Robert Lewandowski and Gavi.
Why has the party received criticism?
Controversy arose from the hiring of people with dwarfism for entertainment purposes, which was deemed discriminatory, along with allegations of secretive and extravagant practices.