Mounir Nasraoui, the father of Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal, has been accused of spitting at a waitress and attacking a customer at Barcelona Airport, before allegedly striking a Russian journalist’s phone in London.
The airport incident reportedly took place on 26 October, as Nasraoui travelled to London to support his son at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Spanish publication Cronica Global reported that the dispute began when he left a jacket in an unauthorised place and was asked by a waitress to move it.
According to accounts shared by witnesses on social media, Nasraoui allegedly spat in the woman’s face. A customer reportedly intervened, after which Nasraoui is said to have struck the man and threatened him with a chair. Spain’s Civil Guard became involved, although Nasraoui was allowed to continue his journey.
There has been no official confirmation of the circumstances, and the claims remain based on witness accounts published online.
In London, where Lamine Yamal finished third at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Nasraoui was approached by Russian journalist Seva Terletsky, who wanted to congratulate him on his son’s achievement. Video footage shared on social media appears to show Nasraoui hitting Terletsky’s phone. It is not known whether the device was damaged.
The incidents follow a series of controversies involving Nasraoui, who was born in 1986 in Larache, Morocco, and moved to Spain as a child. His mother, Fatima, was the first member of the family to travel to Europe for work before bringing her children over. The family later settled in Catalonia.
Nasraoui worked on building sites, painted walls and carried out other jobs. Neighbours told El Espanol that he also worked at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, although in a maintenance role rather than as a football coach.
He now lives in Barcelona’s affluent Pedralbes district. Spanish media have reported that the apartment was bought by his son. Nasraoui has said he suffers from epilepsy and was unable to attend the 2026 World Cup because of the condition.
He has around 1.4 million social-media followers. In October, after one follower advised him to find a job, Nasraoui replied: “I don’t need to work. I have millions, thank God.” The true extent of his wealth is unknown.
In 2023, Nasraoui was involved in a confrontation with representatives of the right-wing Vox party near a campaign stall in Mataro. He was later found guilty of minor offences.
In August 2024, he was the victim of a serious attack in Rocafonda after an argument, suffering multiple stab wounds. Police arrested several suspects.
Journalist Silvia Taules has reported that Nasraoui wanted to launch a clothing brand and allegedly planned to fund it through Lamine without telling him. Nasraoui denied reports of a family dispute, and father and son attended the Ballon d’Or ceremony together. He has no role in Lamine’s football contracts; the player’s career is handled by agent Jorge Mendes.
On 28 October, Nasraoui posted a photograph with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, writing: “I need help as a person.” He did not explain what assistance he required, and there is no confirmed link between the post and the recent controversies.
