Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy after his extravagant 18th birthday party sparked outrage online — but his father, Mounir Nasraoui, has now broken his silence with a fierce defence of his son.
Yamal, who is already a star for both Barcelona and Spain, celebrated turning 18 with a grand party held at a private villa filled with influencers, footballers, models, and entertainers. However, the event drew massive criticism when it was revealed that individuals with dwarfism had been hired as part of the entertainment, prompting accusations of exploitation and insensitivity.
Social media erupted with condemnation, with some calling the inclusion of dwarfs as entertainment “degrading” and “dehumanizing.” The criticism soon expanded beyond social media, with advocacy groups threatening potential legal action against Yamal for alleged disrespect.
But Nasraoui wasn’t having any of it. In an unapologetic statement to reporters, he hit back at the critics, branding them as envious and bitter.
“I don’t listen to criticism — my son is doing things right,” he said. “People don’t focus on their own lives. They watch others and, in the end, they’ll die of envy. That’s their problem.”
He dismissed the backlash as jealousy over his son’s success and defended Yamal’s right to celebrate how he pleases.
“He’s just turned 18. He’s celebrating his birthday like any young man would — just on a bigger scale. He’s not broken any law.”
While Yamal has yet to respond personally, his father’s defiant comments have sparked further debate among fans. Some supporters back Nasraoui, believing the criticism is exaggerated and driven by jealousy, while others feel Yamal should show more social awareness given his growing profile.
Reports suggest advocacy groups for people with dwarfism are considering formal complaints, arguing the act was disrespectful and reinforced negative stereotypes.
Regardless of the controversy, Nasraoui made it clear that his son’s happiness remains his priority:
“Let my son live his life. He’s worked hard to get where he is — he deserves to enjoy his success without people tearing him down.”
As Yamal’s career continues to skyrocket, this episode adds to the growing challenges of navigating fame at a young age — both on the pitch and in the relentless glare of the public eye.
