After wrapping up a brilliant season with FC Barcelona and reaching the UEFA Nations League final with Spain, Lamine Yamal has finally taken a well-deserved break. Yet, even in vacation mode, the 17-year-old remains under the spotlight—a cryptic Instagram caption has sparked a wave of speculation and debate online.

"They complain about the bad one, and abuse the good one"

That’s the phrase Yamal chose to accompany one of the 17 photos in a carousel he posted on Instagram. Without naming anyone directly, the quote has been widely interpreted as a subtle response to the criticism he faced following Spain’s penalty shootout loss to Portugal in the Nations League final.

Some Spanish media outlets and social media users blamed Lamine for not stepping up in key moments of the match, while others accused him of arrogance after his confident remarks during pre-match press conferences. The message seems to reflect his frustration with being judged unfairly regardless of performance.

Inside Lamine Yamal’s vacation life

Far from training sessions and media obligations, Yamal is clearly enjoying his time off. The carousel includes images of him eating fast food, flying in a helicopter, sunbathing on a yacht, relaxing by the pool, and even doing mundane tasks like raking leaves in a garden.

He also included snapshots that remind fans of his football journey—like a press conference image with his signature tilted cap, which stirred plenty of conversation during the tournament, and another celebrating his goal against France in the semifinals.

A message that speaks volumes about his character

Even during his downtime, Lamine continues to showcase a strong personality. At just 17 years old, he has already played over 50 matches this season, scored 18 goals, and provided 25 assists for both club and country. His performances helped Barcelona secure both LaLiga and the Copa del Rey, and many already consider him an early Ballon d’Or candidate.

His Instagram post sends a clear signal: Yamal won’t stay silent when facing unfair criticism. The support was immediate—Gavi, among others close to him, reacted with emojis expressing pride and solidarity.

What’s next for Barça’s rising star?

The season may be over, but the conversation around Lamine Yamal is far from it. His message reignited discussions about the pressure young stars face and how they’re treated by the media and fans.

The forward will take a few weeks off before rejoining Barcelona for preseason training. With his talent, confidence, and growing digital presence, it’s safe to say Lamine will remain in the spotlight—on and off the pitch.