Young Spanish soccer star Lamine Yamal is used to being in the spotlight. In the weeks leading up to the World Cup, he found himself at the center of social media debates about his fitness, his chances of competing, and his unapologetic pro-Palestinian activism.
On the eve of Spain’s second World Cup match against Saudi Arabia at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, USA, he was subjected to playful banter from Saudi fans.
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“Where is Yamal? Where is Yamal?” they chanted on the streets of Atlanta.
The video clip was seen as a throwback to the moment during Saudi Arabia’s shock victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, when a Saudi fan interrupted the broadcast on an international channel to ask: “Where’s[Lionel]Messi?”
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The Saudi chant may also have been a sign of sympathy for Spain’s lackluster performance in their opening World Cup match against debutant Cape Verde, who held the European champions to a goalless draw.
Yamal, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, came on as a substitute in the 70th minute, but could not break the deadlock as Cape Verde’s heroic goalkeeper Vosinha kept a clean sheet. On the same day, Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Uruguay, much to the delight of the Arab team’s fans.
As Saudi fans took over parts of Atlanta, with Yamal’s face dominating large murals and advertisements on skyscrapers, they wondered if the 18-year-old would not appear at the team’s game Sunday.
It didn’t take long for Yamal to answer that question. Ten minutes into the first 90 minutes of the tournament, the Spanish forward scored his first World Cup goal, joining Brazil’s great Pele as the only players under the age of 18 to score the first goal in a World Cup match.
Yamal remained on the pitch until the 64th minute, toying with the Saudi defense as the pre-tournament favorites outscored their hapless opponents by four goals.
By the time he was substituted off, the number 19 had completed 88 per cent of his passes and had six tries on goal.
As if he hadn’t already spoken out on the field, the teenager used his social media influence to respond to a question asking his more than 44 million followers and Saudi fans where he was.
“I’m here,” he wrote in a modest Instagram post that included a photo of himself during the game.
Weight and expectations of activities
Yamal’s name first surfaced at the 2024 European Championship, when La Roja won their record fourth continental title. The energetic 16-year-old was one of the tournament’s brightest stars.
Over the past two years, his name has become well-known due to his performances with the national team and his club FC Barcelona.
But that popularity is matched by the scrutiny of one of the brightest footballers of his generation, and Yamal accepts it with open arms.
Yamal, the Muslim son of immigrant parents, a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, has not shied away from using his star-studded position to comment on hot-button controversies.
Whether it’s publicly condemning Islamophobic chants at a Spanish soccer stadium or supporting the Palestinian cause, the young icon has shown he has a strong social consciousness.
After scoring his first World Cup goal, Yamal bowed to the ground and performed sujood (Islamic prostration) to publicly demonstrate his Muslim faith.
He also brought up the now famous “304” celebration. This pays homage to the working-class neighborhood in Catalonia, Spain, where he spent his childhood.
The postal code of his hometown, Mataro, is 08304, and Yamal crosses his hands to form a zero in the middle, a three in his left hand, and a four in his right.
Activities come at a cost.
Thousands of social media users praised Yamal’s comments, while critics used the opportunity to accuse him of “inciting hatred.”
The curly-haired teenager didn’t let that get in the way of his beliefs. In fact, it inspired him to project his religion with pride and speak up for the oppressed.
And expectations for him to lead Spain to World Cup glory are a little worrying as the 27-time capped player says there is no one who can expect more from him than himself.
“I see myself as much better than people see me,” he told Spanish newspaper El Pais before the team’s crucial game against Saudi Arabia.
“We know we have a very long road ahead and a lot of improvements to make,” he said.
“I know people look at me like this is my level and that’s it. But that confidence that I have can be used for a lot of things. I insist, I still have a long way to go, there’s a lot of things to improve and there’s so much football.”
