Barcelona Restrict Lamine Yamal’s Off-Field Activity Following Increased Media Attention

Key Takeaways:

• Barcelona cancelled Lamine Yamal’s planned PR appearance for Oppo on Tuesday
• The club have decided to more closely monitor the 18-year-old’s public engagements following controversial pre-Clasico remarks
• Barcelona believe Yamal’s previous pubic discomforts have almost completely resolved, yet he may not be entirely at 100%

Club Tighten Control Over Yamal’s Exposure

Barcelona have moved to moderate Lamine Yamal’s life away from football, aiming to maintain his focus amid growing media scrutiny. The club took this step after the forward’s remarks ahead of El Clasico were perceived to have motivated Real Madrid’s players, with internal sentiment suggesting he has become excessively visible in the public sphere.

Lamine Yamal has consistently displayed self-assurance, even when representing Spain at only 16 years of age. However, since reaching 18, his social media activity has increased, he has attended multiple public functions, and he is now publicly known as one half of a celebrity couple with Nicki Nicole. Prior to his recent Real Madrid comments, Barcelona met with his agent Jorge Mendes and agreed to more stringently oversee the teenager’s off-field engagements.

🚨 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡: A promotional event with Lamine Yamal and a sponsor has been canceled.

Barça have spoken with his agents to tell them that they didn't think it was the right time. An interview with Sky Italia isn't happening either.

— @DirectoGol pic.twitter.com/9iAnujqjo7

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 29, 2025

Cancellation of PR Event and Reduced Public Engagements

According to Sport, Lamine Yamal was set to participate in an event for the Chinese mobile phone company Oppo, who count him as an ambassador, on Tuesday. Barcelona, however, opted to cancel the event as confirmed by Marca, considering the current environment and ongoing scrutiny. The decision is part of a wider strategy to shield the young forward from unnecessary distractions.

The club want Yamal’s public presence curtailed, with management believing this approach will help minimise off-field disturbances. The 18-year-old reportedly agreed to withdraw from the Oppo engagement, recognising the impact his earlier remarks had made, despite his view that the subsequent reaction was exaggerated.

Player Welfare and Locker Room Support

Concerns around thrusting Yamal into the limelight at an early age have previously been raised, with his initial national team interviews beginning when he was just 16. Since that time, he has been treated similarly to other high-profile footballers. Notably, Barcelona’s recent steps come amid questions over why such supervision was not enforced earlier. Ultimately, the club’s leadership are hopeful that the squad contains enough experienced individuals to guide and support Yamal through increasing public and media attention.