Young Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has unfortunately become the primary target of hatred and discrimination within Spain’s top football division, La Liga, according to a recent report. The 18-year-old winger, despite his burgeoning talent, now reportedly experiences 60% of the discrimination observed, a staggering figure that places him above Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., who previously held the unenviable distinction of being the most targeted player.
Beyond individual players, the report also highlights that prominent clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona are consistently ranked among the most targeted for animosity within Spain. The rise of social media platforms has undoubtedly provided a significant avenue for individuals to express both positive and negative opinions. In the passionate world of football, this often translates into fervent support for specific clubs or players, which can, in turn, escalate into verbal conflicts as fans fiercely defend their favorites. These online disagreements are currently contributing to considerable controversy within the sport.
Spanish football, a league renowned globally for its exceptional quality, has recently faced increasing scrutiny over instances of discrimination and hatred directed towards its professional players. This issue is particularly acute for emerging talents who, paradoxically, often become victims of intense criticism and prejudice due to their visibility and success. The Spanish Observatory against Racism and Xenophobia (Oberaxe) recently published a report detailing this alarming trend, noting that such incidents have regrettably become a recurring pattern among some fan bases in Spain.
Yamal, who plays for Barcelona, has been identified as the most targeted individual for discrimination during the 2024-25 season. The highly talented young star faces 60% of discriminatory incidents, according to the Oberaxe report. These instances often involve derogatory language, with comments frequently directed at his skin color and personal background.
Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr., previously the main target, now ranks second with 29% of recorded discrimination. The 24-year-old Real Madrid player had, until recently, been the primary focus of criticism and discrimination within La Liga. Other players also appear on the list, though with lower percentages: French forward Kylian Mbappé accounts for 3% of discrimination, while players such as Nico Williams, his brother Iñaki Williams, Alejandro Balde, and Brahim Diaz each face 2%.
When assessing clubs, Real Madrid bears the brunt of the animosity, being the most targeted club for discrimination and hatred at 34%. Barcelona follows closely with 32%. Real Valladolid ranks third with 17%, trailed by Valencia FC (8%), Athletic Bilbao (6%), Real Sociedad (5%), and Atletico Madrid (4%).
According to Tomas Fernandez, an expert observer of discrimination, the prevalence of these incidents in Spanish football originates from underlying societal factors within Spain itself. While some individuals may mistakenly believe that insults, criticism, and discrimination do not significantly impact players, the reality is that such negative language can profoundly affect players’ daily lives and lead to significant psychological distress.
