Lamine Yamal earned widespread praise from fans and activists after waving a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s title parade.
The 18-year-old star displayed the flag as thousands of supporters lined the streets on Monday. This celebration followed Barcelona’s 2-0 El Clasico victory over Real Madrid. The win secured their second consecutive La Liga title. Yamal missed the fixture due to injury but joined the champions’ parade the next day.
“To some, it may look like a simple gesture,” wrote Muhammed Akram, a Palestinian student in Gaza. “But here in Gaza, it reaches the heart in ways words cannot describe.” Akram added that Yamal is loved more than he knows. Video clips of the act quickly went viral across social media platforms.
Yamal Hailed for Palestine Flag Gesture at Barcelona Parade
Political activist Dyab Abou Jahjah also lauded the teenage icon for using his platform. “When you have a platform, use it,” he wrote on social media. “When you have a voice, speak out. Bravo Lamine Yamal.” Academic Neus Torbisco Casals described the player as “a very brave Catalan boy.” She noted that sport can be a voice against oppression and for freedom.
Yamal shared photos of the event with his 44.2 million Instagram followers. His post received over 5 million likes and numerous shares. Teammate Marcus Rashford and Anwar El Ghazi were among those who commented on the post. Prominent Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha wrote: “We love you, from Gaza.”
Hansi Flick confirmed he discussed the incident with the young forward on Tuesday. “I spoke with him and told him: ‘If you want to do that, it’s your decision,'” Flick said. The manager reminded the player that he is now old enough to make such choices.
However, some social media users criticised the gesture. They argued the forward should never wear the Spain shirt again. Others suggested this act should disqualify him from winning the Ballon d’Or. Despite these attacks, the BDS movement thanked him for a “gesture full of humanity.” They noted that sport has the power to make visible what the world must not forget.
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