Rising football star Lamine Yamal is facing mounting backlash following his 18th birthday celebration, which has stirred national controversy and prompted calls for legal action from both the Spanish government and disability rights groups.
Yamal, who marked his milestone birthday on July 13 with a lavish party attended by around 200 guests—including teammates and family—has come under scrutiny over the event’s alleged “mafia” theme and reports that individuals with dwarfism were hired as part of the entertainment.
The situation escalated after social media model Claudio Calvo claimed that the Barcelona player arranged for 12 women with a specific breast size to be present at the event. That, coupled with the reported use of persons with dwarfism for entertainment, has sparked strong reactions from advocacy groups and government officials.
The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) issued a public condemnation, describing the act as discriminatory and degrading. The group is now threatening legal action, arguing the celebration violated both ethical standards and Spanish anti-discrimination laws.
Spain’s General Director of Disability, Jesús Martín, also weighed in, urging the government to launch a formal investigation. “We are concerned that people with money and power believe they are above the law,” he said. “The law must apply equally to the humble and the powerful.”
According to Spanish daily Marca, Yamal could face fines of up to £867,000 if found in breach of current regulations regarding the dignity and rights of people with disabilities.
In a statement, ADEE emphasized its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of persons living with dwarfism, adding: “These actions go against the values of an egalitarian society. We will take all necessary legal and social steps to ensure accountability.”
The incident has sparked a wider conversation in Spain about celebrity influence, social responsibility, and the need to reinforce ethical standards—especially among public figures and young role models like Yamal.
