Lamine Yamal’s Birthday Bash Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Disability Law Breach

Spain’s rising football star Lamine Yamal is under unexpected spotlight off the pitch after his 18th birthday party sparked controversy. The Ministry for Social Rights has called for an official investigation following claims that entertainers with dwarfism were hired for the celebration, potentially breaching Spain’s disability laws.

Yamal, who turned 18 on July 13, threw a private party outside Barcelona over the weekend. The event was tightly controlled, with guests reportedly banned from using their phones to film, but leaked videos surfaced online showing people with dwarfism arriving at the party venue. That was enough to set off a wave of criticism. 

One of the most vocal groups has been the Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE), which is part of the national disability platform COCEMFE. ADEE slammed the incident, saying the hiring of performers with dwarfism for such events “perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the rights and dignity of people with achondroplasia and other skeletal conditions.” The organization has vowed to pursue both legal and social action. “We see this not just as offensive but as harmful to the image and rights of people with disabilities,” ADEE stated, pushing for stronger awareness and accountability in how public figures, especially young celebrities like Yamal, approach inclusion. 

However, not everyone agrees with the outrage. One of the performers involved, who chose to stay anonymous, defended their participation and said they were treated with respect. “No one disrespected us, we were allowed to work in peace,” they told RAC1 during a Catalan radio interview. “I don’t understand why it’s become such a big deal. We’re normal people who love what we do, and what we do is absolutely legal.” 

They explained that their line of work includes dance, magic, and general party entertainment, and stressed that the environment at Yamal’s party was welcoming. “Everyone had a good time. The only reason this is getting so much attention is because it was Lamine Yamal’s party,” they added. 

Meanwhile, Yamal returned to Barcelona’s pre-season training on Sunday, just a day after the party. The young forward, who had a breakout season in 2024–25, is expected to play a key role in Barça’s upcoming campaign. There are even whispers that he could be handed the iconic No.10 shirt—once worn by club legends like Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Messi—marking a major vote of confidence in the teenager’s future. 

While the controversy swirls, all eyes will now be on how Spain’s authorities handle the inquiry—and how the young star navigates the off-field pressure that comes with fame.