Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has revealed that he has experienced racism “a thousand times”, saying many people make offensive comments or behave in racist ways without realising it.
The 19-year-old made the disclosure in an interview with former Argentina international Jorge Valdano for Spanish broadcaster Movistar. The programme is part of Universo Valdano.
Asked whether he had experienced racism directly, Yamal replied, “A thousand times.”
“People are indirectly racist towards you, but maybe don’t realise it. There are a lot of comments or looks that are racist and they don’t even notice,” he said.
Yamal has faced racist abuse since emerging as one of Barcelona and Spain’s leading players.
In October 2024, footage appeared to show Yamal, Raphinha and Ansu Fati being subjected to racist abuse during Barcelona’s El Clásico against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Reflecting on such incidents, Yamal said he distinguishes between being identified by his race and comments intended to insult him.
“If someone calls me Black, it’s not going to bother me at all, ultimately I’m Black, I’m not any other colour,” he said.
“Another thing is whether it’s good or bad, whether they’re saying it to offend me.”
The teenager also said he tries not to let abuse from spectators affect his performance on the pitch.
“But if I’m playing a match and they paid for a ticket to see me, I’m not going to get angry just because they disrespected me,” he said.
A Spanish government report on online hate speech has also identified Yamal as one of the footballers most frequently targeted by racist abuse online in Spain, alongside Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior.
The latest comments come as Yamal continues to attract global attention at club and international level.
Movistar said the full interview explores his ambitions, expectations and career, with the programme scheduled to air on September 18.
Yamal’s comments add to ongoing discussions about racism in Spanish football and the challenges faced by players who are subjected to abuse both online and inside stadiums.