Key Takeaways:
- Lamine Yamal labelled Real Madrid a side that “steals and complains” during a live Kings League Twitch broadcast just days before the upcoming Clasico
- Barcelona will travel to the Bernabeu this Sunday trailing Madrid by two points, with top spot in La Liga on the line
- Yamal has contributed three goals and five assists this season and finished runner-up in the 2025 Ballon d’Or at age 18
Yamal’s Kings League Comments Spark Uproar
Barcelona attacker Lamine Yamal has stirred significant debate in Spanish football circles after accusing Real Madrid of “stealing and complaining” during a public exchange on Twitch’s Kings League channel. The 18-year-old, regarded as a driving force in Barcelona’s resurgence, made the remarks while conversing with Porcinos FC owner Ibai Llanos and Gerard Pique, prompting immediate reactions across media outlets and social platforms in Spain.
🚨 Ibai Llanos to Lamine Yamal: "Do Real Madrid steal?"
Lamine Yamal responds: "Yes, they steal and then complain, that's what they do." pic.twitter.com/YE75knDj28
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 23, 2025
When Llanos, a self-declared Madrid supporter, enquired if his team shared similarities with Real Madrid, Yamal replied, “Yes, of course, they steal, they complain…” The comment, delivered amidst laughter and disbelief from the stream’s participants, saw Yamal double down following Llanos’ questioning: “Real Madrid steals?” Yamal responded, “Well, let’s see, let’s see.”
This exchange took place in a relaxed setting as Yamal, who co-owns La Capital FC in the Kings League, discussed his impending fixture against Porcinos FC. Gerard Pique, involved as Kings League co-founder, heightened the rivalry through playful banter, while Yamal’s pointed response fuelled the ongoing debate about perceived refereeing partiality in Spanish football.
Build-Up to the Bernabeu Clash Intensifies
The timing of Yamal’s remarks is notable, arriving just days before El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu. With Barcelona set to visit Madrid in a fixture that could dictate the early pace of La Liga, anticipation is heightened on and off the pitch. Hansi Flick’s team currently trails Xabi Alonso’s Madrid by two points; a win on Sunday would see Barcelona leapfrog their rivals into first place. The high-stakes nature of the match, coupled with Yamal’s public comments, promises an electric atmosphere in the Spanish capital.
Yamal’s Season in Numbers
Despite his youthful delivery, Yamal’s steady form this campaign underscores his importance in Flick’s tactical system. The winger has made seven direct goal contributions in just seven La Liga appearances and boasts three goals and five assists for the season. His playmaking skills, creativity, and poise have been central to Barcelona’s attacking threat, earning praise from Flick and culminating in a runner-up finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or at 18 years old.
| Statistic | Lamine Yamal (2025-26 Season) |
|---|---|
| La Liga Appearances | 7 |
| La Liga Goals | 2 |
| La Liga Assists | 5 |
| Goal Contributions (La Liga) | 7 |
| 2025 Ballon d’Or Finish | 2nd Place |
Mbappe v Yamal: Rivalry Renewed
This weekend’s encounter will bring a fresh chapter in the budding competitive narrative between Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe. Though the French forward has scored eight goals compared to Yamal’s six across eight head-to-head meetings in club and international matches, Yamal’s teams have emerged victorious on seven occasions. Highlights include a 5-2 triumph in Spain’s Supercup and a 3-2 victory in the Copa del Rey. With Mbappe set to lead Madrid’s line at the Bernabeu, he will be eager to redress the balance in front of the home supporters.
Focus on Madrid’s Preparation and the Road Ahead
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have refrained from addressing Yamal’s comments and continued their preparations under Xabi Alonso, following a tightly contested Champions League win over Juventus. While the club’s management has stayed silent, Madrid fans are expected to make their presence felt when Yamal appears at the Bernabeu on Sunday.
With personal rivalries, league leadership at stake, and mounting tension following Yamal’s remarks, this iteration of El Clasico is primed for high drama, intensity, and possibly fresh controversy. All eyes will be on Yamal as he seeks to maintain his impressive form in one of world football’s most scrutinised clashes.
