Once Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi celebrated their 18th birthdays, the Spanish Football Federation made a significant administrative change: the special protections designed for underage players were officially lifted. These protections, which previously applied to minors, included mandatory criminal background checks and compulsory training sessions for anyone interacting with youth athletes. The aim was to ensure the safety and proper guidance of young talents, shielding them from potential risks while fostering their development in a controlled environment.
Before reaching adulthood, both Yamal and Cubarsi were subject to strict protocols governing their interactions with adults. As reported by Marca, these rules prohibited any minor from being alone with a single adult in closed venues, effectively minimizing the risk of misconduct or exploitation. In addition, the regulations imposed rigorous travel restrictions, ensuring that underage players were never placed in potentially unsafe situations without proper supervision. Such measures were standard practice to maintain high ethical and safety standards within youth football.
Now, with Yamal and Cubarsi officially recognized as adult players, these safeguards no longer apply. Their call-ups to the senior team mark a transition where the stringent minor-specific rules are lifted, granting them greater autonomy in their professional careers. This change allows them to travel more freely with the team, participate in training sessions without the previously mandatory supervision protocols, and engage fully in the professional environment, reflecting their new status as adult athletes.
This milestone is not only a legal and administrative shift but also a symbolic moment in the careers of both players. It underscores their progression from highly protected youth prospects to fully-fledged professionals entrusted with greater responsibility both on and off the pitch.
