Lamine Yamal mural vandalized in Barcelona after dwarf controversy
The altered artwork, featuring Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, sparks outrage and debate over athlete’s off-field behavior
A mural celebrating Lamine Yamal in Barcelona’s Plaza Joanic was vandalized over the weekend in a satirical protest linked to a recent controversy involving the young football star’s birthday party.
Originally created by renowned urban artist TV Boy, the artwork depicted Yamal as Superman, symbolizing his meteoric rise in Spanish football. However, the mural was defaced with images from Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs a direct reference to reports that Yamal hired dwarfs as part of the entertainment for his 18th birthday celebration.
Backlash Over Birthday Party Entertainment
The party, which reportedly took place outside the city, drew criticism after media outlets revealed that dwarfs had been hired for entertainment purposes. The choice was met with backlash, with many calling it disrespectful and tone-deaf.
While Barcelona City Council has not issued a statement on the defacement, TV Boy responded to the satirical edit by reposting images of the altered mural on social media with the caption: “Art also protests.”
Mixed Reactions Online
The altered mural went viral on Monday (August 4), sparking heated debate across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. While some defended the action as a form of protest art, others condemned it as disrespectful vandalism targeting a young athlete.
At the time of the incident, Yamal was in South Korea on pre-season tour with FC Barcelona, who defeated Daegu FC 5–0. The teenager did not feature in the match, having been rested by manager Hansi Flick.
A Rising Star Under Scrutiny
A product of La Masia, Yamal has rapidly become one of the most exciting young talents in world football. Since breaking into the senior team, he has made 54 appearances, scoring 18 goals and delivering 22 assists remarkable stats for a player still in his teens.
However, the dwarf-party controversy has cast a shadow over his image. Fans and commentators are now questioning the responsibilities that come with fame, especially for athletes in the public eye.
The incident adds fuel to the ongoing conversation around how young celebrities should balance their personal lives with their public personas and what role social expectations play in shaping their behavior.
