A mural celebrating Barcelona footballer Lamine Yamal has been defaced in the city. The artwork, which had been created to honour his 18th birthday, was vandalised with offensive language referencing dwarfism.
The mural, designed by Plaza Joanic, portrayed Yamal as a superhero, replacing Superman’s “S” with an “L” to reflect his name. It had been unveiled just a month before, drawing admiration from fans. When images of damage first appeared online, some thought the mural had been physically destroyed. However, it was later confirmed that some of the images were created using artificial intelligence.
Yamal recently came under public scrutiny over his 18th birthday celebration. Reports claimed that the event involved hiring dwarfs and women dressed in revealing outfits. Critics argued that these individuals were paid to attend the party simply for their appearance.
The backlash grew stronger after claims that five men with Achondroplasia—a form of dwarfism—were registered as guests. Photos also circulated showing women arriving at the entrance of the venue. These details sparked debate around whether the footballer had crossed ethical boundaries.
The celebration, which took place on July 13, had around 200 guests, including his close friends, family members, and fellow players. While the event may have been intended as a private affair, it quickly became public due to the controversial elements.
Jesus Martin, Spain’s General Director of Disability, openly criticised the event. He urged the government to investigate the situation and stressed that no one, regardless of wealth or fame, should feel above the law. Martin also worried about the potential impact on young fans, who may see Yamal as a role model and be influenced by his choices.
The party was held at a private estate and was said to have a Mafia-themed atmosphere. Further reports added to the controversy when Spanish model Calvo, a former Miss Teenager Spain and Miss Teenager Europe, shared her experience. She claimed she had been contacted to attend the party under specific conditions.
According to Calvo, organisers were looking to hire twelve blonde women with particular body features. They offered a payment of up to €20,000 but provided little information about what the women were actually expected to do, other than “have a good time.” The location of the party was also kept secret until the last moment.
She later declined the offer after receiving what she described as a strange list of demands. Calvo said she had screenshots of all the conversations and believed the organisers were looking for women who were either models or escorts.
As the scandal unfolds, Yamal finds himself not only facing public criticism but also becoming a topic of national discussion. What began as a birthday celebration has now raised serious ethical questions, putting the young football star under intense media attention.
