Lamine Yamal speaks out on dwarves controversy

Lamine Yamal has no intention of changing his lifestyle despite being embroiled in recent controversies.

The Barcelona winger attended a ceremony yesterday to celebrate his new six-year contract at Camp Nou and officially receive the club’s number 10 shirt – worn previously by the likes of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Diego Maradona – for the forthcoming season.

It came just four days after he celebrated his 18th birthday with a lavish party that included the hiring of dwarves as entertainment while it was rumoured he spent his off-season on holiday with an OnlyFans star 12 years his senior.

Reports have suggested the Barca directors are worried about Yamal’s conduct but there was little sign of that yesterday as a beaming Joan Laporta, the club president, embraced the teenager while posing for the cameras.

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— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 16, 2025

I enjoy my life – Yamal

And the player himself appeared unconcerned by the negative headlines.

Having been asked about his off-field activities in Catalan, Yamal insisted on answering in Spanish to ensure there was no mistranslation. He said: “In the end I work for Barça, I play for Barça, but when I’m out of the Sports City I enjoy my life and that’s it.”

It was the first time Yamal had spoken since reports first emerged regarding the entertainment brought in for his bash at the weekend.

The use of dwarves was particularly controversial. Government minister Jesus Martin has demanded an investigation while the Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) condemned the incident as “unacceptable”.

One of the entertainers with dwarfism backed Yamal, however, telling RAC1: “No-one disrespected us, leave us to work in peace.

“I don’t understand why there is so much hype. We are normal people who dedicate ourselves to what we want in an absolutely legal way.” 

Yamal joins big earners in Barcelona squad

Yamal’s new deal, reportedly worth £325,000 a week, makes him the highest-paid teenager in world football and reflects his importance to Barca.

He emerged on the global scene during Euro 2024 with a string of impressive performances to help Spain win the trophy.

And he backed it up last season, growing into one of the most reliable players in the Barca squad as the club claimed a domestic double.

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— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 16, 2025