The vandalised mural of Lamine Yamal in Barcelona Credit: Marca
The original public street art was unveiled last month to celebrate the Barcelona and Spain forward as he turned 18. Yamal, however, received criticism over his private party arrangements after images emerged of dwarves and scantily clad women reportedly paid to attend the event.
Yamal faced accusations of exploitation, which he has not publicly responded to, and over the weekend vandals stencilled images of the Disney film version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on a wall in Barcelona’s Plaza Joanic.
The dwarfs had been painted around an image of Yamal in his superman outfit. Shortly after the stunt came to light on Monday, footage showed an artist taking immediate action to restore the painting to its original state.
Yamal had reportedly hired dwarfs as part of the entertainment in his private birthday party outside of the city, according to Spanish reports.
The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) claimed those reportedly hired to attend the party were there “solely for entertainment and promotional activities”.
ADEE said it would take legal action against Yamal, arguing it could violate Spanish law intended to protect the dignity of disabled people. It claimed that his alleged actions violated the “fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful”.
The original artwork was created by urban artist TV Boy and was unveiled ahead of the Spain international’s 18th birthday on July 13.
On the field, Yamal, on tour with Barca in South Korea, has continued to dazzle in pre-season after emerging as world football’s hottest teenage property.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta talked up Yamal’s “genius” talents in a wide-ranging interview this week, but warned against comparing the teenager to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
“Lamine Yamal is Lamine Yamal, Leo Messi was Leo Messi,” Laporta told CNN. “Leo Messi has been the best player in the world, and Lamine, I think that in his position nowadays, is the best player in the world.”
Laporta added that he was working with Yamal’s family and agent to ensure the youngster enjoys the best career possible. Barcelona, meanwhile, were learning from their experience with Messi to provide the best environment possible for the player to flourish.