Ruud Gullit calls for calm over Lamine Yamal’s 18th birthday controversy

Key Takeaways:

• Lamine Yamal faced criticism after celebrating his 18th birthday in Ibiza with a high-profile party
• Ruud Gullit defended Yamal on Dutch television, stating the backlash was exaggerated
• Commentators highlighted increased scrutiny of footballers in the current era due to pervasive social media and smartphone use

Birthday Celebrations Emerge as Media Flashpoint

Barcelona’s young sensation Lamine Yamal has found himself at the centre of public debate following his opulent 18th birthday celebration in Ibiza. The teenager’s festivities drew attention not for standard revelry, but for notable security efforts—guests were required to hand in their mobile phones on arrival, a model reportedly received a €20,000 fee for her attendance, and performers of short stature were booked for the occasion. The nature of the party, and these details in particular, triggered an outpouring of criticism across both traditional and social media platforms, with pundits warning that Yamal may be treading a precarious off-field path akin to Ronaldinho, whose own career was blighted by well-chronicled excess.

The party left no aftereffects on Lamine Yamal. @DBR8 pic.twitter.com/RFNVugLsBJ

— Lamine Yamal Xtra (@Yamal_Xtra) July 13, 2025

Support from Football Royalty

Amid escalating scrutiny, legendary Dutch midfielder Ruud Gullit came to Yamal’s defence during an appearance on the television programme Rondo. Gullit labelled the reporting around the entertainers of short stature as excessive, noting, “In my opinion, the story with the people of short stature was blown out of proportion. But the best part was when they themselves said, ‘Yes, but this is how we get work. If we can’t do this, we’ll have absolutely nothing,’” as quoted on the show.

When the discussion turned to the broader implications of luxury, alcohol, and the presence of women at the party, Gullit maintained a pragmatic perspective. “Leave him be. Can’t a person let loose sometimes? To draw such conclusions from this… Just leave him alone.”

The Changing Landscape for Young Footballers

Gullit also offered insight into how the environment has shifted for current players compared to those of his own era: “The only big problem now is that everyone has a phone, everyone has something to say, everyone has something to do. We lived through a time when there were no phones.” This comment underscored the intensity of modern media scrutiny, which magnifies every action of public figures, especially those as young as Yamal, who already carries significant expectations at both Barcelona and for the Spanish national team.

Debate over Public Perception and Player Growth

Reactions to Yamal’s party have been polarised—viewed by some as a lapse in maturity, and by others as a typical youthful celebration. Gullit’s remarks underlined the importance of context and the necessity for perspective. He advocated that one event during a milestone birthday should not become a referendum on a player’s future potential. Ultimately, Yamal’s experience is emblematic of the modern challenges that come with early sporting fame: constant observation, intense discussion surrounding each personal decision, and a reduced margin for error.

Gullit’s prevailing sentiment stressed the need for leniency: young athletes, like any young person, deserve the opportunity to grow, learn, and mature—even when their actions unfold under the public gaze.