Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, has been in the headlines over the controversy surrounding his private 18th birthday celebration. 

Reports emerged that the party featured entertainers with dwarfism, prompting backlash and plans for a government investigation. 

Now, Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, has spoken out, urging fans to recognise his son’s youth and achievements, rather than condemn him.

Speaking to Cadena SER via Europa Press, Nasraoui defended Lamine vehemently, stating: “People need to respect an 18-year-old boy… He’s just a kid who has the right to enjoy his life a little.”

 He emphasised that, while his son now walks the line between teenage life and professional celebrity, Barcelona’s new no.10 deserves some level of empathy.

Nasraoui asserted that much of the criticism was fuelled by jealousy: “People… look at what others are doing and they’re going to die of envy. That’s their problem.” 

He insisted his son remained unaffected and focused on football: “I don’t listen to criticism from people outside… my opinion is that my son is doing things right.” 

Yamal’s father further encouraged critics to “applaud him, not destroy his mind”, remarking that Yamal had earned admiration as Barcelona’s and Spain’s number 10, and should be celebrated — not torn apart.

“He’s the number 10 for his club and his country. We should applaud him, not destroy his mind,” he said.

Pulse Sports earlier reported that Yamal hosted a private, mafia-themed birthday party near Barcelona that reportedly employed entertainers with dwarfism.

The event, attended by over 200 guests including teammates and high-profile music celebrities such as Bizarrap and Bad Gyal, sparked immediate backlash.

Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights confirmed it had referred the case to prosecutors after complaints from ADEE (the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias).

ADEE described the situation as potentially “demeaning and discriminatory” and pledged legal action, citing Spain’s disability law which forbids entertainment that mocks or exploits people with disabilities.

The organisation has warned that any breach may incur penalties of up to €1 million.

One of the performers, speaking anonymously to RAC1, defended their participation:

“No one disrespected us.

"We were allowed to work in peace,” adding they danced, served drinks and performed magic legally and professionally.