In Barcelona’s vibrant Gracia neighborhood, a mural celebrating FC Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal has been tarnished by an act of vandalism.
Unveiled to honor the 18-year-old winger’s birthday, the artwork was intended as a symbol of local pride and inspiration for the community.
However, its defacement has ignited outrage and sparked discussions about the pressures faced by one of football’s brightest talents, casting a shadow over his recent achievements.
Crafted by renowned street artist TVBoy, the mural was revealed on July 13, 2025, to mark Yamal’s 18th birthday, depicting him in a Superman outfit with the caption “When the will is strong, obstacles are small.”
Tragically, on July 15, just two days later, the mural was defaced with spray paint and graffiti, obscuring its vibrant design, as reported by Football-Espana.
The motive remains unclear, but some speculate it is tied to controversy surrounding Yamal’s birthday celebration, where his decision to hire entertainers with dwarfism drew criticism and prompted legal action from the Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE).
This incident mirrors a similar vandalism of Nico Williams’ mural in Bilbao, hinting at a troubling trend targeting young football stars.
Yamal’s meteoric rise, marked by his pivotal role in Barcelona’s domestic treble and Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, has made him a beloved figure in Gracia, his hometown.
Now wearing Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 shirt, he faces intense scrutiny both on and off the pitch. The vandalism has left the community disheartened, mourning the loss of a tribute to their local hero.
Neither Barcelona nor Yamal’s family has issued an official statement, but the incident underscores the challenges of fame for the young star.
As he prepares for the 2025/26 season, Yamal’s resilience will be tested, with fans hoping he can rise above this controversy and continue to shine as one of football’s brightest prospects.
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