In the euphoria following Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal inadvertently caused a stir on social media with an ill-advised Instagram Live video. The young Barcelona star, celebrating his team’s 2-1 victory over England in the final, gave his followers more than they bargained for when he turned the camera towards his celebrating teammates in the locker roo.
The Incident
During the celebratory livestream, which attracted over 500,000 viewers, Yamal accidentally captured footage of his naked teammates. The video briefly showed one player’s bare buttocks and another teammate in the process of getting dressed. This unintended exposure quickly became a talking point on social media platforms.
Reactions and Fallout
The incident sparked a range of reactions online, with many expressing surprise and amusement. Some users pointed out the risks of allowing young players unrestricted use of social media, while others saw it as a harmless mistake in the heat of celebration. One X (formerly Twitter) user commented, “Children shouldn’t be allowed to use phones,” highlighting the potential pitfalls of combining youth, technology, and high-profile sporting events.
Yamal’s Euro 2024 Performance
Despite this social media misstep, Yamal’s on-field performance at Euro 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. He was named the tournament’s best young player, contributing four assists and scoring one goal in six starts. In the final against England, Yamal provided the assist for Nico Williams’ opening goal.
A Rising Star
Lamine Yamal, who turned 17 just a day before the final, has been breaking records and drawing comparisons to football legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. His rapid rise through Barcelona’s youth ranks and his impact on the international stage have marked him as one of football’s most exciting prospects.
While this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges young athletes face in the age of social media, it’s unlikely to overshadow Yamal’s remarkable achievements on the pitch. As Spain celebrates its first European Championship since 2012, the focus will undoubtedly return to Yamal’s promising future in football.