Lamine Yamal's new LeBron James-inspired celebration sparks Spanish media backlash with 'boastful' move not fitting Barcelona star's 'young role model' status

Having enjoyed a meteoric rise, with plaudits raining down on the teen sensation, his every move is now being dissected in minute detail. Yamal’s behaviour on and off the field is falling under the brightest of spotlights.

The youngster plays with a smile on his face and is clearly a fan of superstar performers in other sports. Basketball GOAT LeBron continues to inspire millions around the world as he emulates Cristiano Ronaldo by performing at the highest level beyond his 40th birthday.

Yamal has taken to celebrating goals by placing what appears to be an imaginary crown on his head - much like James does with the LA Lakers. His actions have caused quite a stir in Spain, where ego warnings are being sounded on a regular basis.

According to The Athletic, the Spanish press consider Yamal’s celebration to be “boastful” and “not fitting for a young role model”.

Those working with Yamal have attempted to calm that discussion. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has said: “To me, the celebration was not crowning himself. It looked like him putting on a magician’s hat. I told myself while watching the TV: ‘Well, the kid has done another magic trick’. That’s how I understood it.”

He added: “We tend to highlight the more shallow aspects about athletes, and what we should be highlighting to the next generation is that this kid (Yamal), who made his (Spain) debut at 16 years old, works like nobody else.

“He’s always taken care of himself with top standards. He has an outstanding talent, but he trains six hours per day, goes to the gym, does the treatments with physios and everything we call ‘invisible training’. Everything Lamine has achieved is not because he threw a birthday party, or because the way he celebrates a goal. No. Those are meaningless details. What we need to highlight is the work he puts in to make this happen.”

Yamal, who lost his passport after featuring for Spain in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Turkey, will hope to have more cause for celebration on Sunday when returning to La Liga action as Barcelona play host to Valencia.