Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal waved a Palestinian flag during an open-top bus parade on Monday as the team celebrated winning the Spanish La Liga title. The 18-year-old star, widely regarded as one of the best footballers globally, held the flag as the bus drove through the streets of Barcelona. He also posted pictures of himself holding the flag on his Instagram account.
Coach's Response
On Tuesday, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was questioned about Yamal's decision. "This I don't normally like," Flick said at a news conference. "I spoke with him. I said if he wants this, it is his decision. He is old enough. He's 18 years old."
Global Context
There has been a global backlash against Israel over the humanitarian toll of the war in Gaza, which has spread to sport and culture. Protests have been seen in soccer, cycling, and basketball. By holding the flag, Yamal appeared to indicate his support for Palestinians as an estimated 750,000 people took to the streets to celebrate Barcelona's title triumph, confirmed after their 2-0 El Clasico win against Real Madrid on Sunday.
Flick said celebrations with fans after back-to-back titles was his priority. "We are playing football and you can see what the people expect from us," he said. "We are playing football to make the people happy. This is for me the first thing we have to do."
Yamal's Rising Stardom
Spain international Yamal is a leading contender to succeed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as football's biggest star. He won the European Championship with Spain in 2024 and already has three league titles with Barcelona. He is expected to be one of the stars at the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
