Barcelona footballer Lamine Yamal has come under scrutiny following allegations regarding the hiring of entertainers with dwarfism for his extravagant 18th birthday celebration last weekend. The Spanish Ministry of Social Rights has requested that prosecutors investigate this matter, with Ministry director Jesús Martín Blanco condemning the practice as something that “takes us back to the Middle Ages.”
A local disability rights association has also condemned Yamal’s actions, claiming they violate both legal standards and ethical principles foundational to a respectful and equal society. They have taken steps to pursue legal and social recourse against those responsible for promoting such activities. Their statement highlighted that current laws specifically forbid “shows or recreational activities” that ridicule or mock individuals with disabilities, a violation that they believe has occurred in this instance.
In response to the backlash, a performer who participated in the party defended the hiring as respectful, stating that they were treated well and that they simply wanted to make a living. The entertainer expressed confusion over the outrage, asserting that they are “normal people” working legally. They clarified that their performance included a range of activities, like dancing and magic tricks, promoting the idea that everyone enjoyed the event.
Yamal’s birthday bash featured numerous celebrities, including some of his Barcelona teammates, and reportedly lasted for an hour. The young player, who recently secured a contract extension with Barcelona until 2031, is one of the club’s highest earners, with a base salary of around AUD 40 million per season, potentially reaching AUD 52 million with bonuses. His contract includes an unprecedented $1.76 billion release clause, the highest in Barcelona’s history.
In recent months, Yamal has significantly contributed to his team’s success, being pivotal in helping Barcelona achieve a domestic treble—winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. Additionally, he played a critical role in leading Spain to victory in the 2024 European Championship.
As the investigation into his birthday party unfolds, the incident raises important conversations about ethics in entertainment and the treatment of individuals with disabilities in such contexts.