'I enjoy my life!' - Lamine Yamal defends lifestyle choices amid criticism and legal action over 18th birthday party after signing Barcelona contract

Yamal has publicly defended himself for the first time since controversy erupted over his 18th birthday party, which reportedly featured entertainers with dwarfism and has since triggered a government-led investigation. The Barca forward, who recently signed a new long-term deal with the club and was handed the iconic No.10 shirt, addressed the backlash head-on during a press conference, drawing a firm line between his personal and professional life.

During the press conference Yamal made a clear distinction between his personal and professional life, saying: "Ultimately, I work for Barca, I play for Barca, but when I'm away from the Ciudad Deportiva, I enjoy my life, and that's it."

The Spanish Ministry of Social Rights has requested an investigation into the event following a formal complaint made by the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE). The complaint centres on the alleged hiring of people with dwarfism for entertainment purposes during Yamal's party in Olivella, a town west of Barcelona. A video circulating on social media appeared to show performers arriving at the venue, sparking backlash and legal scrutiny.

While Yamal has not commented on the specifics of the legal complaint, he made a strong statement regarding the scrutiny he faces. The young forward, who is no stranger to media attention, chose to deliver his response in Spanish to ensure clarity, despite the question being posed in Catalan. This move was widely interpreted as a sign of his growing maturity and awareness of his public image. He also publicly stated he feels no pressure wearing the legendary number and is "indifferent" to both criticism and praise from outside his inner circle.

Yamal appears unfazed by the storm around him as he prepares for the 2025-26 campaign under head coach Hansi Flick and his focus will remain on how he performs on the pitch. His words suggest he won’t let public noise derail his development, and for now, he seems determined to keep living life on his terms.