Barcelona’s Spanish league title celebrations took a political turn that sparked widespread controversy — all because of one player: Lamine Yamal. During the championship parade through the city on Monday, the 18-year-old star was filmed waving a Palestinian flag from the team’s open-top bus, a moment that quickly went viral and drew heated reactions around the world.
Yamal, regarded as one of world soccer’s brightest young talents, was seen holding the flag aloft before thousands of fans celebrating Barcelona’s title-clinching 2-0 victory over Real Madrid. Videos from the event spread rapidly on social media, with many fans praising the player for taking a stand, while others condemned the gesture as inappropriate.
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Yamal waves a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s title parade on Monday
(Photo: @hsmramy via Instagram /via REUTERS)
The reaction did not come in a vacuum. Since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, Barcelona has become one of Europe’s main centers of pro-Palestinian protests and anti-Israel demonstrations. Against that backdrop, Yamal’s gesture — the son of a Moroccan Muslim father and a mother born in Equatorial Guinea — drew even greater attention. The player also posted a photo of himself holding the flag on Instagram, where it has so far received 3.6 million likes.
“One of the biggest athletes in the world doing something like this — it’s powerful,” one user wrote. Influencer Mario Nawfal also commented on the incident, writing: “Yamal continues to use his platform unapologetically, and it’s clear the young phenom isn’t afraid to express — or wave — his views. Big moment.”
“He’s only 18 and already has personality,” Spanish newspaper AS wrote. “It’s not common to see footballers take a political stance, but Lamine Yamal wanted to make his presence felt by waving a giant flag. His action carries significant meaning.”
Marca added: “Many viewed it as support for the Palestinians. It was a moment that generated considerable noise.”
Others reacted sharply against the player. One social media user wrote: “Lamine Yamal, the star of Barcelona and Spain’s national team, waving the Palestinian flag during today’s title celebrations. A flag that represents terror and the murder of Jews. Disgusting.” Another post read: “Yamal, Barcelona and Spain star, waving the Palestinian flag representing terror, murder and the rape of girls and women on Oct. 7, 2023.”
Beyond the Palestinian flag controversy, Yamal was also involved in another incident during the celebrations. The young star held up a shirt reading: “Thank God I’m not a Real Madrid fan,” which also generated headlines.
During the festivities, Yamal reflected on Barcelona’s season, saying: “We have to appreciate every title we win because there were some very difficult years.”
The controversy surrounding Yamal comes as the teenager recovers from a hamstring injury suffered in late April. Barcelona believes he will be fit in time for the Club World Cup, which begins June 11.