Lamine Yamal Faces Government Investigation, Potential €1 Million Fine Over 18th Birthday Party

Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal is under formal scrutiny by the Spanish government following allegations that his lavish 18th birthday celebration on 13 July included the hiring of entertainers with dwarfism and women selected based on specific physical attributes.

The Ministry of Social Rights has formally requested the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Ombudsman, and the Office for Combating Hate Crimes investigate potential violations of Spain’s disability law, which strictly prohibits using individuals with disabilities in ways that mock, demean, or degrade their dignity.

Spain’s Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) has announced plans to pursue legal and public-action proceedings. ADEE president Carolina Puente condemned the event as unacceptable in the 21st century.

Jesús Martín, Spain’s General Director of Disability, emphasized that wealth and fame do not place anyone above the law and that any breach could lead to fines ranging from €600,000 to €1,000,000 under ongoing legal reforms.

Footage from the party—reportedly a mafia-themed affair with a no-phone policy and about 200 guests—showed individuals with dwarfism arriving as entertainers. In response, one performer told Spanish media, “We work as entertainers… we were treated with respect… we’re normal people… we dance, we do magic.”

Former Miss Teenager Spain Claudia Calvo alleged models were hired based on specific breast size, with payments between AUD $18,000–$35,000 demanded. She declined involvement.

Yamal has not commented publicly but shared a celebratory video on his Instagram, where he has 36 million followers. He has since resumed pre-season training with Barcelona ahead of their tour in Japan.

The controversy has raised ethical questions about the exploitation of individuals based on physical characteristics, particularly by high-profile public figures with global influence. The Spanish government is treating the matter with seriousness, and legal consequences may follow pending investigation outcomes.