Yamal faces backlash for insulting dwarfs

Yamal and his relatives at his birthday party.

Barcelona teenage star Lamine Yamal is facing legal action after reportedly hiring dwarfs to perform at his 18th birthday party. The footballer celebrated his birthday at the weekend in a star-studded affair.

Although the use of mobile phones was banned in the party venue, leaked images on social media showing a group of short people attending the party quickly went viral and caused a wave of backlash for the young Barcelona star.

The images have sparked outrage from the Spanish Association of Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE), who have condemned Yamal, accusing him of exploiting the disability of others for his own amusement. They are now threatening legal and social action against the player, who is considered one of the best wingers in the world .

The dwarves come to perform at Yamal's birthday party.

In a statement, ADEE said Yamal's actions were "unacceptable" because they "perpetuate stereotypes, promote discrimination and undermine the image and rights of people with skeletal dysplasia or other skeletal dysplasias, as well as all people with disabilities".

ADEE said the problem is not just with the Barcelona player, but also with society. A member of the Spanish Federation of Physically and Organically Disabled (COCEMFE), said they are working to eradicate the culture of looking down on dwarfs.

"It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, dwarfs continue to be exploited for entertainment at private parties, and even more so when these cases involve public figures like Lamine Yamal," said Carolina Puente, president of ADEE.

The dignity and rights of our community are not a game for anyone, under any circumstances."

Yamal came through Barcelona's La Masia academy before making his first-team debut at the age of 15. He became a regular for Barcelona in the latter stages of the 2023/24 season.

Yamal has enjoyed considerable success since winning EURO 2024 with Spain. In his first full season with Barcelona's first team, he won three domestic titles, including La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa.