Javier Balboa unhappy with Lamine Yamal’s attitude

Former Real Madrid and Benfica winger Javier Balboa has criticised Lamine Yamal’s behaviour during Barcelona’s recent clash with Atletico Madrid, arguing the teenager crossed a line with his reactions on the pitch.

Balboa believes the issue goes beyond a single moment. “It’s not just about him not celebrating a goal,” he said. “It’s a series of gestures on the pitch that show a lack of respect for his teammates. What Lamine Yamal is doing seems wrong to me.”

He highlighted several episodes in which Yamal appeared visibly upset when he did not receive the ball, throwing up his arms or turning away in frustration. For Balboa, those signs of dissent send the wrong message inside a dressing room built on unity and collective effort.

The ex-footballer also hinted that, while talent can justify certain risks on the field, it does not excuse public displays of dissatisfaction towards teammates. His comments feed into a broader conversation in Spain about how young stars handle pressure, expectation and early fame at clubs of Barcelona’s stature, and whether stronger guidance is needed to keep emotions in check during high-intensity games.