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Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti has publicly criticised Barcelona teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal for what he called “off the field antics” after the youngster appeared at a Spain national team press conference wearing a backwards cap.
Yamal, who starred in Spain’s victory over France in the UEFA Nations League semi-final before being beaten in the final by Portugal, was part of the official media duties after the match, but his choice of attire did not sit well with the 48-year-old ex-player.
“I don’t know if this is the first time I’ve seen a guy with a cap backwards. I don’t like that. Because he’s with the Spanish national team,” Guti said on El Chiringuito TV, visibly unimpressed.
The former midfielder felt that such appearances carry weight and should reflect a sense of seriousness and respect. “When he goes to Ibiza, or wherever he wants, he can do it. But not with the Spanish national team at a press conference. I don’t like it,” he added.
Not Yamal’s fault
😳 @GUTY14HAZ NO SE CALLA NADA:
🧢 "NO ME GUSTA que Lamine vaya en rueda de prensa con una GORRA para atrás…
…en tu vida haces lo que quieras, pero con tu club o la Selección NO". ❌ pic.twitter.com/KfouIr1DXB
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) June 9, 2025
Guti, known for being outspoken, did not hold Yamal solely responsible. He instead pointed fingers at the people managing or accompanying the young talent.
“It’s not his fault. It’s the fault of the people standing next to him who don’t say ‘no way’,” he insisted, highlighting a lack of proper guidance for the 17-year-old.
In his closing remarks, Guti doubled down on the criticism, making it clear the issue was not with Yamal’s intentions but with those around him failing to enforce standards.
“It’s not Lamine’s fault, he ultimately does what he wants. It’s the fault of him being there and having to tell him, ‘hey, not with the cap on in a press conference with the Spanish national team'” he noted.