While football-loving Spain expected carefree footage of Barcelona’s wunderkind celebrating his 18th birthday, Lamine Yamal’s party generated headlines of a very different kind. A minibus carrying dwarf performers pulled up to a luxury mansion outside Barcelona, after which the Association of People With Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) accused the forward of exploiting people with disabilities.
Party Behind Closed Doors
Organisers required guests to hand over their smartphones to security, and drug use was strictly banned. The “no-phone party” format was meant to protect the privacy of the celebrity guest list, but the lack of footage only fueled speculation when eyewitnesses spotted a minivan at the gate carrying the invited short-stature performers.
ADEE’s Anger and Public Backlash
ADEE issued a harsh statement: in its view, involving people with dwarfism for entertainment “reinforces stereotypes and demeans dignity.” The organisation promised to apply both legal and public pressure to those responsible.
Possible Legal Consequences
Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights also became involved, asking prosecutors to investigate whether the law on the rights of people with disabilities had been violated. If discrimination is confirmed, the footballer and his organisers face a fine that Spanish media estimate at almost one million euros.
Risks to Blaugrana and the Player’s Reputation
For Yamal, who recently signed a long-term contract with the Catalans and is already hailed as one of La Liga’s main stars, the reputational damage could outweigh any potential fine. Any guilty verdict would hit not only the player’s image but also the club’s, whose marketing partners are highly sensitive to inclusion issues. For now the forward and his representatives remain silent, and the sporting community is watching to see whether the scandal will affect his standing in Xavi’s squad ahead of the new season.
