A Spanish government minister has publicly defended Lamine Yamal after the FC Barcelona winger displayed a Palestinian flag during celebrations for the club’s La Liga title victory.
Oscar Puente, Spain’s transport minister, voiced support for the teenager through a post on the social media platform X, where he praised the player for speaking out against what he described as “barbarity” in Gaza.
The minister shared an image showing destruction in the Gaza Strip alongside a strongly worded message defending Yamal’s actions and condemning criticism directed at the player.
“This is how you fight terrorism. By destroying lives. Proud that a football player is not oblivious to barbarity.”
Puente continued by arguing that humanitarian concerns should not be interpreted as political hatred or incitement.
“Defending the lives of women and children is not incitement to hatred. Defending a people’s right to exist is not an attack on any other people. It is a decent act.”
The comments came after Yamal drew widespread attention during Barcelona’s Spanish league title celebrations when he raised and waved a Palestinian flag in front of supporters.
The gesture took place roughly 24 hours after Barcelona secured a decisive 2-0 victory over rivals Real Madrid in the 35th round of the league campaign, a result that formed part of the club’s title-winning celebrations.
Yamal’s actions quickly generated debate across Spanish football and social media, with supporters and critics offering sharply differing reactions to the public display.
Despite the controversy, the player received backing from figures within the Spanish government, including Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
According to the report, Sanchez praised Yamal’s position regarding the Palestinian issue and referenced Spain’s official recognition of the State of Palestine.
The intervention from senior political figures has further elevated the discussion surrounding athletes and political expression, particularly in football, where public gestures linked to international conflicts often provoke strong responses.
Yamal, widely regarded as one of Barcelona’s brightest young talents, has become an increasingly influential figure both on and off the pitch. His appearance during the title celebrations attracted major public attention due to the symbolic nature of the Palestinian flag and the timing of the gesture.
The debate also arrives amid broader international attention on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with politicians, public figures and athletes around the world continuing to express opinions on the conflict.
Puente’s comments made clear that the Spanish government minister viewed Yamal’s action as a humanitarian statement rather than an act of hostility.
“Defending the lives of women and children is not incitement to hatred.”
The remarks are likely to intensify discussion in Spain over the intersection of sport, politics and freedom of expression, especially as prominent footballers continue to use their visibility to comment on global issues.
For Barcelona, meanwhile, the focus remains on celebrating a successful domestic campaign, although Yamal’s gesture has ensured the club’s title celebrations have also become part of a wider political conversation.
