‘People Don’t Even Realise’: Yamal Reveals His Experience With Racism

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal says he has experienced racism on numerous occasions during his rise to prominence, estimating that he has faced such treatment “a thousand times”.

Yamal made the revelation during an interview with former Argentina international Jorge Valdano for Spanish broadcaster Movistar, saying some people make racist remarks or gestures without recognising the nature of their behaviour.

Asked whether he had personally experienced racism, the Barcelona star replied: “A thousand times.”

Yamal explained that racism is not always expressed through direct insults, saying some comments, looks and other forms of behaviour can carry racial undertones even when those responsible do not acknowledge them.

The 19-year-old has previously been targeted by racist abuse during his career with Barcelona and Spain. Footage from the October 2024 El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu also appeared to show Yamal, Raphinha and Ansu Fati being subjected to racist abuse.

Yamal said he makes a distinction between someone simply referring to his skin colour and using his race as a way of insulting or attacking him.

“If someone calls me Black, it’s not going to bother me at all,” he said, explaining that the intention behind the remark is what matters to him.

The Barcelona forward also said he does not allow hostile behaviour from supporters to affect his performances during matches.

He explained that fans have paid to watch the game and that he would not allow an offensive comment from the stands to distract him while playing.

Recent monitoring by Spain’s Observatory of Racism and Xenophobia (OBERAXE) has also highlighted Yamal as a target of racist and Islamophobic content online.

During the 2026 World Cup, OBERAXE detected 54,771 items of hate speech and discriminatory narratives on social media, with 52 per cent of the recorded racist and xenophobic messages linked to sport. The agency specifically highlighted racist and Islamophobic attacks targeting Yamal.

A separate OBERAXE report covering the second quarter of 2026 also identified Yamal among the footballers who received significant volumes of racist and Islamophobic attacks during the World Cup period.

Yamal’s comments add to the wider discussion around racism in football, particularly the abuse faced by high-profile players on social media and during matches.

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