'Frivolous' Lamine Yamal criticism angers Spain boss amid 'crown' celebration and birthday party controversies

Spain manager De la Fuente has launched a staunch defence of Yamal, hitting out at "frivolous" criticism directed at the Barcelona teenager. The 18-year-old has faced recent scrutiny over his goal celebration and significant off-field controversy surrounding his recent birthday party.

Yamal has been under an intense media spotlight following a series of events. After scoring one of his two goals in a pre-season friendly against FC Seoul, he performed a "crown" gesture, which drew widespread commentary. Off the pitch, he has been in the news for his new relationship with 25-year-old Argentine rapper Nicki Nicole. More seriously, Spain's Ministry of Social Rights has requested a prosecutor's investigation into his 18th birthday party following allegations he hired people with dwarfism as entertainers, a practice that has been condemned by disability rights associations in the country.

Speaking to the media ahead of his squad announcement, De la Fuente dismissed the negative focus on the player's celebration, saying: "I disagree. The celebration wasn't about putting on a crown. It was a magician's top hat. I thought: 'He's done his magic again.' Everyone can interpret it as they wish. We have to value other things and not just highlight the frivolous. At 16, he was already working and taking care of himself like no one else; he trains a lot, and everything he's achieved is thanks to that, not a party or a gesture. We have to value the work behind it. It's the same as when you were talking about Alcaraz and when he went to Ibiza. He's working all day and, from time to time, goes to Ibiza. But you don't win matches because of that."

Yamal is expected to be a key part of the Spain squad named on Friday for the upcoming qualifying matches against Bulgaria and Turkey. Barcelona will also look to the winger to carry attacking responsibility as they begin their La Liga campaign, with fixtures against Rayo Vallecano and Valencia.