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Graham Hunter
It is utterly appalling to see Lamine Yamal at the center of criticism following LaLiga‘s first Clásico of the season on Sunday, where Barcelona suffered a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid. The individuals who should bear the shame are Gerard Piqué, Jorge Mendes, Dani Carvajal, Ibai Llanos, and Hansi Flick.
For those unaware of the immature drama that unfolded after Madrid outplayed Barça at the Bernabéu, here’s a brief overview.
On Friday, Lamine participated in the lead-up to a match in the Kings League — Piqué’s seven-a-side tournament featuring amateurs along with a few former professionals. It’s a flashy spectacle designed for social media, but not without its complications.
At just 18, Lamine has grown up in the football bubble, where his exceptional skills on the field are contrasted by the typical behavior of a teenager off it. His wealth further insulates him, leading to fewer people willing to challenge his actions.
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Piqué shifted his Kings League ‘Clásico‘ from Sunday to Friday to avoid a clash with the actual match. He persuaded Lamine not only to serve as president of the La Capital franchise facing Ibai Llanos’s team, a strong Madrid supporter, but also to show up at the game.
During some lighthearted pre-match banter streamed on YouTube, Lamine teased whether Ibai’s Porcinos team was similar to Real Madrid, jokingly suggesting they might “steal and then complain.” He quickly realized the potential fallout of his words and attempted to clarify, indicating an awareness of the controversy his comment could spark.
Unsurprisingly, this remark became a focal point leading up to Madrid’s match with Barcelona, fueling a barrage of accusatory media reports targeting Lamine that misrepresented his intentions. It was erroneously portrayed as if he deliberately attacked Madrid publicly.
After the final whistle in the Clásico, which left Madrid five points ahead of the reigning champions, Carvajal confronted Lamine with a mocking gesture, implying that the young player was too talkative.
A skirmish erupted on the field, reflecting tensions high among players. Peacemakers, including Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Brahim Díaz, and Ronald Araújo, were needed to calm the situation. The referees handed out cards, and law enforcement even had to step in.
Since the match concluded, numerous reports have blamed Lamine for the fallout. While he’d had a decent performance despite recovering from a groin injury, he also set up a key opportunity for Jules Koundé, who missed a chance that could have leveled the score at 2-2.
Now, let’s assess where the real responsibility lies.
Having lived in Spain longer than Lamine has been alive, I can assert that for the overwhelming majority of that time, neither Madrid nor Barcelona would have permitted their players to partake in a ‘mock-Clásico‘ type event, especially not a globally recognized rising star like Lamine. Such occasions, designed to generate viral publicity and polarizing opinions, would be scrutinized and sensationalized by media eager to capitalize on soccer’s biggest rivalry. It is inconceivable to allow this.
The lion’s share of responsibility rests with Piqué. Let’s remember that this acclaimed and immensely wealthy figure, a former player for Barcelona, Manchester United, and the Spanish national team, had his own share of youthful indiscretions.
As a teenager, he and Cesc Fàbregas, by Piqué’s own admission, partook in petty misdemeanors such as stealing petrol caps from parked cars. He was also involved in dubious schemes during his time in Manchester regarding satellite services. This lack of foresight and understanding of the dangers of being a high-profile teenager is shocking. What led him to expose Lamine to such a catastrophic situation?
Piqué has publicly expressed his love for Barça, once even aspiring to be the club’s president. Instead of safeguarding Lamine, a player with incredible promise reminiscent of Lionel Messi, he chose to use him as bait for the Clásico to possibly enhance his own show.
Ibai has since issued an apology for his role in placing Lamine in this difficult position, claiming joint responsibility. Where was Piqué’s immediate response to clarify to Madrid that Lamine did not intend to insult Los Blancos? Instead, he exacerbated the situation by affirming the comments about Madrid’s integrity the following day, with no public acknowledgment of blame from him or his team.
During his time as a player, Piqué often expressed a desire for more respect and maturity from his teammates. It raises the question: why couldn’t he extend that understanding to Lamine? Does he not recall the importance of establishing oneself in a competitive locker room through respect and behavior as much as talent? In this instance, Piqué’s actions seem self-serving, irresponsible, and thoughtless.
As for Jorge Mendes, Lamine’s agent, his role in this situation is also concerning. He should ideally provide the essential guidelines and support for a young talent, ensuring their protection from such undue pressures. Mendes owes Lamine an apology and must step up his game.
What about Hansi Flick? In a recent press conference, he downplayed Lamine’s off-pitch engagements, saying, “None of my business.” This is a significant oversight.
When dealing with an extraordinarily talented, world-class player who is only 18, it is absolutely crucial for a coach to regulate and approve any public appearances before a major match like the Clásico.
A hands-off approach is acceptable in general; however, allowing laxity in the lead-up to a crucial match against a motivated, assertive Real Madrid is unacceptable. It’s imperative for a coach to assert their experience and leadership during such pivotal moments.
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Regarding Carvajal, I had the opportunity to conduct a lengthy interview with him in a tranquil setting ahead of Euro 2024, and he spoke highly of Lamine. He stated how incredible it is for someone so young to already be making significant contributions at a high level.
“It’s astonishing. He possesses unexplainable talent. It’s essential that we take care of him because elite football can be demanding, and he requires protection and guidance,” Carvajal stressed.
Yet, it was Carvajal’s confrontational gesture post-Clásico that ignited tensions, and knowing him, I doubt he’s remorseful.
The Spanish national team’s successful World Cup qualification places them atop Group E, but that doesn’t equate to invincibility — a lesson repeated throughout the sport.
Having witnessed the turmoil within the Spanish squad during the 2014 World Cup due to conflicts instigated by José Mourinho’s controversial methods, I can attest to the ripple effects of such animosities. It was damaging, but thankfully, that hostile environment has largely faded over the past few years.
With the final World Cup of his career approaching, does Carvajal genuinely want to foster animosity with Spain’s most talented player? His actions during the Clásico suggest a lack of maturity and responsibility befitting a player of his stature.
Lamine undoubtedly erred, but the accountability should rest on the adults who failed to protect him.