Magic amid the controversy

Despite all the criticism surrounding his 18th birthday party—complete with a gangster theme and the controversial inclusion of little people as part of the entertainment—Lamine Yamal hasn’t lost his smile or his talent. The young FC Barcelona star, at the center of off-pitch controversies, continues to shine… at least on the field.

During a recent Barça training session, the winger left everyone speechless with a magical play: in a tight space, Yamal received the ball, spun elegantly past Gavi, and with a touch of brilliance, got rid of Robert Lewandowski, who ended up on the ground to the amazement of his teammates. The moment, captured and shared by the club’s social media, quickly went viral.

After the cheeky nutmeg, the Polish striker didn’t hold back and gave the 18-year-old a friendly shove to take the ball back—amid laughter and good vibes at Can Barça.

A new ‘10’ who must shine… without the off-field noise

This moment comes just before Lamine Yamal officially receives Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 jersey, once worn by legends like Messi and Ronaldinho. However, due to the recent birthday backlash, the club has decided to hand over the shirt in a private ceremony, away from cameras and media attention.

Yamal’s talent is undeniable, but if he wants to become the face of Barça’s new era under Hansi Flick, his circle must protect him better. Now more than ever, the spotlight must stay on his football—not the headlines off the pitch.