Dani Carvajal defends Lamine Yamal in the Spanish national team: “He hasn’t changed”

Dani Carvajal has spoken out in defense of Lamine Yamal, who has been under the spotlight for both his performances and his personal life. The Barcelona No. 10, recently called up by Luis de la Fuente for Spain’s next international fixtures, has faced criticism after his vacation with Neymar, his new relationship, and his high-profile 18th birthday party.

Carvajal Stands by His Teammate

In an interview with Cadena SER, Carvajal stressed that Yamal remains the same promising youngster despite the media attention and scrutiny. The Real Madrid captain, who will share the dressing room with Yamal during the international break, said the forward is still grounded.

“Since I arrived, I’ve seen him as always. He hasn’t changed since we were together last year, both in preparation for the Euros and during the tournament. People need to understand that it’s complicated,” Carvajal explained.

“He’s Just 18”

Carvajal emphasized the difficulty of managing fame at such a young age. Yamal, who turned 18 in July, is already a key player for Barcelona, something few footballers achieve at that age.

“He’s an 18-year-old who’s already a decisive player at a club like Barcelona, one of the best in the world. He signed a major contract, his impact has grown enormously, and managing all that isn’t easy,” Carvajal noted.

Path to Stardom and Future Potential

Despite the controversies, Carvajal highlighted Yamal’s extraordinary talent and potential to mark an era in football.

“It’s normal that he makes some mistakes, but with his quality, if he stays focused and keeps working, he can become an idol. He has everything it takes to define an era,” said the Madrid defender.

Carvajal also compared their paths, recalling his own youth development at Real Madrid Castilla:

“At 18, I was still at Castilla. It’s very difficult to stand out at that age in professional football, and what Lamine is doing is remarkable.”

Looking Ahead: Ballon d’Or Talks

Yamal’s name has even surfaced in discussions about the 2025 Ballon d’Or race, underlining his rapid rise and global recognition. While off-field attention remains intense, Carvajal’s words serve as a reminder that the winger’s career is only just beginning—and expectations are sky-high.