The mural that didn’t last long

What was meant to be a tribute turned into provocation. The mural dedicated to Lamine Yamal, recently painted in the Rocafonda neighborhood (Mataró), was vandalized with offensive graffiti just days after the FC Barcelona youngster was handed the club’s iconic number 10. The act has sparked outrage and raised plenty of questions.

The image of Yamal wearing Barça colors in a superhero suit styled like Superman—proudly painted by a local artist—was defaced with tags and graffiti. According to Marca, the perpetrators remain unidentified, but the vandalism has triggered backlash on social media and in the press.

A double-edged attack

Located on Ronda Rafael Estrany, the mural was meant to be a source of pride for the local community. Lamine Yamal, a native of Mataró, is seen as a symbol of perseverance and young talent. But the recent controversy surrounding his gangster-themed birthday party—and the decision to hand him Messi’s number 10 in a private ceremony—may have stirred underlying tensions.

Silence from the club and family

So far, FC Barcelona has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. Nor has Yamal’s family. The only public reactions have come from neighbors and fans who regret seeing a tribute turned into a target for hate.

Despite the incident, Lamine Yamal continues training with the first team and remains poised to become one of the key figures in Hansi Flick’s new era at the club.