Lamine Yamal’s life off the pitch is often a topic of discussion and now his decision to refuse autograph signings has hit the headlines alongside the bizarre reason why.
Lamine Yamal's life off the pitch
Yamal has the world at his feet.
He is undeniably the next in line for the same throne that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo left vacated. But at just 18 years old, La Masia’s latest generational talent hasn’t always found himself in the headlines for the right reasons away from the pitch.
In July, the Spaniard was investigated after reports claimed that he hired people with dwarfism to perform at his 18th birthday party. The winger reportedly hosted a party at a rented property in Olivella with guests, YouTubers, influencers and Barcelona teammates.
Following the reports, the Directorate General for People with Disabilities told BBC Sport: “These actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful.
“The general law on the rights of persons with disabilities expressly prohibits the following practices: ‘Shows or recreational activities in which people with disabilities or other circumstances are used to provoke mockery, ridicule, or derision from the public in a manner contrary to the respect due to human dignity are prohibited’.”
Living the party life whilst balancing his place as one of the world’s best wingers has historically not been an easy task for many players, but it is worth remembering just how young Yamal still is.
When asked about his life away from the pitch, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick said: “For me, what counts is that when he’s here, he puts in the effort and commitment. And that’s what he does. He had a few days off after working hard, and I don’t interfere in his private life.”
Why Yamal is refusing to sign autographs
As reported by Mundo Deportivo in Spain, Yamal is now refusing to sign autographs amid reports that he’s preparing to sign a lucrative commercial deal that will see his signature sold exclusively by a specialised merchandise company.
It’s a similar deal to one that basketball legend LeBron James has and one that has forced Yamal to explain to fans why he can’t sign their merchandise when meeting him.
The agreement is reportedly yet to be signed, but both parties are eager to get things over the line in an attempt to ensure that the value of the winger’s signature rises significantly.
In a modern game full of signs asking for shirts in the crowd and fans still clamoring for signatures, the move is almost certain to cause controversy.
For fans, it’s another reminder of the influence of money in the current state of European football, with fixtures heading abroad and now Yamal’s signature being locked behind a hefty deal.
Whether more will follow suit remains to be seen. For now, fans will simply have to settle for a photo with football’s best young player, rather than what is about to be an expensive signature.