A Sicilian Weekend on Jet Skis
While most footballers dispersed to their national teams or took time to recover after a demanding season, 17 -year-old Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal opted for sun-drenched Sicily. Paparazzi captured the young talent cutting through sapphire waves on a jet ski alongside 30 -year-old fitness blogger Fati Vazquez. In the photos the woman wraps her arms around the footballer's waist, as if this were not a fleeting ride but a full-fledged romantic getaway.
Who Is Fati Vazquez?
Vazquez is a popular Spanish fitness model and influencer whose social-media following exceeds one million. She designs her own workout programmes, regularly appears in campaigns for sports brands and easily fills venues for her in-person workshops. Her followers are used to seeing an idealised feed of diet smoothies, strength sets and Ibiza beaches. This time, however, the spotlight fell not on a new fitness segment but on her company with the world's most expensive teenager in football.
A Torrent of Hate and the Influencer's Response
No sooner had the jet-ski pictures flooded X and Instagram than Vazquez faced a wave of criticism: “too old,” “star-hunting,” “PR on a big name.” Some comments even crossed into threats.
"It is sad that some hearts hold so much darkness that they wish death upon people they don't even know. I choose growth and light. To those sending me negativity, I wish inner healing."
"Nothing Personal": Lamine Yamal's Stance
The Catalan newspaper Sport contacted the blaugrana forward. Yamal was brief: "We are not a couple. There's nothing between us but friendly conversation." Whatever happens next, the player is trying to keep his focus on pre-season: in a month the team heads to the USA tour, where Xavi sees the young dribbler as a key option on the flank.
Football Context: Record Valuation and Titles
At just 17 Yamal has already become a two-time Spanish champion and lifted both the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. The transfer market values the wunderkind at an astronomical €200 million — a sum only a handful of clubs can afford. Catalan supporters view him as Lionel Messi's heir: the same close control in tight spaces and composure in the opposition box.
Conclusion
The tale of those embraces on Sicilian waves quickly spilled beyond the tabloids, adding unwanted noise around Barça's young winger. Whether Lamine Yamal can handle off-field pressure as confidently as he rides out tackles on the Camp Nou turf will become clear in the coming season. For now one thing is certain: every move of La Liga's youngest champion will be under the microscope, so any relationship — friendly or romantic — will demand the same care he shows when choosing his position for set pieces.
