Real Madrid star forward Kylian Mbappe has come to the defense of Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, urging fans and the media to give the 18-year-old space and focus on his football rather than his personal life. Yamal recently made headlines over his lifestyle, including a high-profile birthday party and reported links with influencer Fati Vzquez, drawing attention away from his performances on the pitch.
The timing of the scrutiny was particularly notable as Yamal missed out on the 2025 Ballon d’Or, which many had predicted he could win after a treble-winning season with Barcelona and a European Championship triumph with Spain. The award went instead to Ousmane Dembl. Speaking to Movistar, Mbappe defended Yamal and urged patience with the young star.
“I think you can see that he has a passion for football, and it’s the only thing he doesn’t have to lose. The rest is his life, and people talk a lot about his personal life, his things. I think people have to leave him alone,” Mbappe said.
“They have to accept that in football, he is a great player, but in life, he is an 18-year-old boy. At 18 years old, everyone makes mistakes. There are things they do well, and they do badly. In the end, he will have his life experience, and he will know what is good for him, what is bad,” he added.
Mbappe, who himself debuted as a teenager for Monaco, empathised with the pressures faced by young players under constant media attention. He emphasised that Yamal’s mistakes off the pitch are normal for an 18-year-old and that his talent and performances on the field remain what truly matters.
The two stars are set to face off in the upcoming Clasico on October 26, promising a thrilling encounter between two of Europe’s brightest talents. Mbappe’s support highlights the need to protect young players while allowing them to grow and shine in their careers.
