Shocking scale of racism targeting Lamine Yamal revealed

His rise to prominence has been swift, capturing the attention of football enthusiasts globally.

However, despite his incredible achievements and bright future, Lamine Yamal has been subjected to a dark and distressing reality—relentless racist abuse on social media.

The hate speech targeted at this Barcelona prodigy is not only alarming due to its volume but also for its venomous nature, reflecting a troubling undercurrent of racism that continues to plague football and society.

The 17-year-old Barcelona forward stands as the most racially targeted footballer in Spain, accounting for 60% of all racist insults directed at footballers on Spanish social networks during the 2024-25 season, according to the Spanish Observatory of Racism and Xenophobia (Oberaxe).

This figure is staggeringly high, more than double the amount of abuse faced by Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr., who comes second with 29%. Yamal has endured over 20,000 racist and hateful posts, with many attacks rooted in xenophobia linked to his Moroccan and African heritage, despite being born and raised in Spain.

The online vitriol includes dehumanizing language and racial slurs, painting a grim picture of the toxic environment that young players like Yamal must navigate.

While he remains composed publicly, the emotional toll on Lamine Yamal and his family is profound, underscoring the urgent need for more robust protective measures.

Barcelona, societal institutions, and social media platforms bear a significant responsibility to shield players from such abuse and to enforce strict consequences on perpetrators.

It’s a stark reminder that racism has no place in football or anywhere in society, and that real change requires a united and determined effort from all stakeholders involved.