Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation for Barcelona and Spain, has found himself at the centre of controversy following his 18th birthday celebration, which featured a performance by a group of dwarves. The incident has drawn widespread criticism from disability rights organisations and may lead to a formal investigation by Spanish authorities.

The forward turned 18 on Sunday 13 July and held a private party the following day at a country house in Olivella, a town located around 50 kilometres from Barcelona. The event was attended by several well-known guests, including Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde, Gavi and Raphinha, as well as musicians, influencers and YouTubers.

Media were stationed outside the venue, which was heavily guarded, and footage captured the arrival of a group of dwarves hired as part of the entertainment. Their presence has triggered fierce debate in Spain and beyond.

The Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE) released a statement strongly condemning the incident. The organisation described the inclusion of dwarves in the entertainment as “a violation of ethical values” and announced plans to pursue legal action.

“These actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful,” the ADEE said in its statement.

Jesus Martin Blanco, the director general for the rights of persons with disabilities in Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, also voiced his concern and called for an official inquiry. Speaking to news agency EFE, as reported by Cadena Ser, he said:

"We are concerned that a guy who has so many followers, an influencer for young people, is throwing this kind of party that can have a knock-on effect on young people."

"We are concerned that people with money, people with power think they can get away with it. The law is for everyone, for the humble and for the powerful."

On Monday, Catalan radio station RAC1 aired an interview with a person identified as one of the dwarves present at Yamal’s party. Their identity was protected, and their voice was distorted for anonymity. They offered a passionate defence of their profession.

"We are only asking they let us work. We have our own contracts, we are normal people, self-employed and do everything legally. I don’t know why there’s so much noise right now."

"What the association is doing right now is discrediting our work as professionals. We do this job because we want to. Nobody is forcing us to. We like to be artists, we have been doing this for a long time."

The performer explained that their role involved entertaining guests with magic tricks, dancing, and delivering drinks.

"There were four of us in the party. In the show that we offer, we go the place and dance with the people, we deliver shots and drinks around the place, we do magic tricks … We entertain and try to make people have a fun time."

They added that they maintain boundaries with clients to ensure the work is always respectful.

"We always agree with our clients that if we see one single sign of disrespect towards our activity, the show ends. I’ve never experienced a lack of respect of that type while working so far."

The ADEE’s statement cited specific legislation: the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Spain. That law expressly prohibits any recreational or entertainment activity where individuals with disabilities are used in a manner that provokes “mockery, ridicule, or derision”.

The organisation’s stance is that the hiring of dwarves in this context breaches that regulation and dehumanises people with dwarfism, reducing their presence to mere novelty acts.

The Spanish Prosecutor’s Office, Barcelona FC, and Yamal’s representatives have all been approached for comment but are yet to respond publicly.

This episode comes at a time when Yamal is riding a wave of success. The teenager recently signed a six-year deal with Barcelona, placing him among the club’s top earners, and capped off a spectacular 2024–25 season.

He recorded 25 assists and 18 goals for Barcelona, helping them clinch both La Liga and the Copa del Rey titles. On the international stage, he was a standout for Spain, guiding them to victory at the European Championship and earning Player of the Tournament honours in the process.

Last year, he also collected the prestigious Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy awards, cementing his status as one of the brightest young talents in world football.

Yet this incident now places Yamal under a different spotlight. With his growing profile — both as a player and a public figure — comes greater scrutiny. His status as a role model for millions of young fans now intersects with broader societal conversations around ethics, inclusion, and respect.

Whether this controversy leads to legal repercussions or not, it may serve as a cautionary moment for public figures about the responsibilities that come with fame and influence.