Spain boss Luis de la Fuente rejects ‘genius’ Lamine Yamal lifestyle critics | OneFootball

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has issued a clear update over his stance on Barcelona star Lamine Yamal’s recent antics.

The 18-year-old is a vital player for club and country with De la Fuente naming him in his latest Spain squad for next month’s games.

The defending European champions start their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with two mattches away from home in Bulgaria and Turkey on September 4th and 7th.

Lamine Yamal is expected to start both games, with a current tally of six goals in 21 international appearances, alongside a strong start to the domestic campaign at Barcelona.

However, there has been some criticism levelled at the teenager, as his stock continues to rocket in Catalonia.

A controversial 18th birthday party, alongside summer holidays and more interest in his private life, has sharpened the focus on Lamine Yamal.

Some fans were also irked by him appearing to place a ‘crown’ on his head after scoring a late goal in the season opening win over Mallorca.

De la Fuente slams Lamine Yamal critics

De la Fuente was asked about the growth in profile of his star man being a concern but the 64-year-old is unflustered.

“Lamine is an 18-year-old, but a very mature young man. He lives his football intensely and knows how to handle a situation as complicated as making his debut with the national team at 16,” as per reports from Diario AS.

“We talk about the less pleasant aspects of football when we should be looking at the values ​​it embodies. Lamine has a fantastic capacity for self-sacrifice, and generosity.

“He’s a football genius. We should focus on that more than whether he’s bought a car, a motorcycle, or is seen with a girlfriend. Lamine hasn’t done anything that could be criticized.”

Lamine Yamal is one of five Barcelona players called up by De la Fuente, alongside Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Gavi and Fermin Lopez with Joan Garcia, Alejandro Balde and Ferran Torres left out.