Lamine Yamal has upset Real Madrid players with his comments about the club ahead of El Clasico this weekend, and Dani Carvajal is set to take action.
Barcelona and Real Madrid will contest the first Clasico of the season on Sunday afternoon at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The two sides are separated by just two points at the top of La Liga going into the match.
Xabi Alonso's side have won eight of their opening nine matches to sit first on 24 points. Barcelona trail closely behind, having won seven, drawn one and lost one of their opening nine matches.
The game is always extremely heated and Yamal's comments ahead of this weekend's match have added even more spice to what should be a fascinating encounter.
Lamine Yamal and Nuno Mendes battling in the UEFA Champions League
Yamal appeared on a Twitch broadcast on Kings League this week, just days ahead of El Clasico. The 18-year-old was asked by Ibai Llanos, owner of Kings League side Porcinos FC, whether his team reminded him of Real Madrid. The superstar responded:
“Yes, of course, they steal, they complain…”
Yamal's comment sparked laughter and disbelief from those sitting alongside him. When asked again by Llanos whether Real Madrid steals, Yamal responded: “Well, let’s see, let’s see.”
His comments were met with anger among Real Madrid supporters on social media and reports have emerged claiming that their players aren't happy at all, either.
Dani Carvajal to Confront Lamine Yamal
carvajal
Marca have claimed that Yamal's comments have 'resonated in the Real Madrid locker room'. They write that the comments have caused 'considerable discomfort' and that Real Madrid's players find them 'incomprehensible'.
They also state that they didn't find Yamal's comments surprising as they 'believe that Yamal, which they do not attribute to his youth, does not respect the basic codes among professionals.'
While the youngster's comments have been met with anger, Real Madrid's players reportedly want to use them as fuel and encouragement for Sunday's match.
Mundo Deportivo (relayed by Barca Blaugranes) have also reported that Real Madrid's players think that Yamal's comments were 'stupid'. Carvajal, who plays alongside Yamal for Spain, is reportedly planning to speak to the Barca winger about his 'disrespectful' words after the match to let him know exactly what he thinks.
It’s also been claimed that Madrid think Yamal’s words 'will jeopardise the great harmony that exists within the Spanish national team.'
Yamal has been defended by Barcelona legend, Gerard Pique. He said, per Tribuna:
“Let’s accept Lamine as he is. Obviously, he’ll gain experience, no one is the same at 18 as at 38. As for the criticism from Madrid? It’s understandable. They’d love to have a Lamine of their own,” Pique adds.
Barcelona were dominant in El Clasico in the 2024/25 season as they won all four of their clashes. Real Madrid will be hoping to end that losing streak in front of their home fans on Sunday afternoon.