Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has publicly backed Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal after the teenager faced criticism from Israeli officials for waving a Palestinian flag during the club’s La Liga title celebrations.
The 18-year-old winger, widely regarded as one of football’s brightest young stars, sparked controversy after showing support for Palestine during Barcelona’s celebrations.
Consequently, the gesture triggered a sharp response from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Sanchez, however, quickly stepped into the debate and defended the Barcelona forward in a post on X.
He said those who believe waving “the flag of a state” amounts to inciting hatred “have either lost their judgment or been blinded by their own ignominy.”
Meanwhile, Katz accused Yamal of using his platform to provoke division during a sensitive political climate.
“I expect a great and respected club like FC Barcelona to distance itself from these statements and make it unequivocally clear that there is no place for incitement or for support of terrorism,” Katz said in a post on X.
However, Sanchez firmly rejected those accusations and praised the teenager for expressing solidarity with Palestine.
The Spanish leader responded by saying Yamal had “only expressed the solidarity with Palestine felt by millions of Spaniards. Another reason to be proud of him.”
Furthermore, the latest exchange adds to the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Spain and Israel in recent months.
Sanchez has repeatedly criticised Israel’s actions and remains one of Europe’s strongest voices on the issue.
Last month, Spain joined three other European Union nations in attempting to suspend the EU’s association agreement with Israel, although the proposal failed to gain enough support.
Additionally, Sanchez intensified his criticism during a political rally in April when he declared: “a government that violates international law or the principles of the EU cannot be its partner.”
Despite the political storm surrounding him, Yamal continues to shine on the pitch and is expected to play a major role for Spain at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in North America.
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