Lamine Yamal Faces 60% of Online Racist Abuse in Spain

Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona wonderkid, has shockingly been the principal target of online racist attacks in Spain, according to a recent study detailing the 2024-25 football season. New findings reveal that Yamal has borne the brunt of digital hate, with 60% of all reported racist abuse directed at him—double the amount received by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

Lamine Yamal: Main Victim of Online Racism in Spanish Football

The Spanish Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia (Oberaxe), in collaboration with Spanish publication El Pais, utilized artificial intelligence tools to analyze 33,438 online attacks in Spain during the ongoing La Liga season. Their study indicates that the vast majority of these attacks were spread across social networks, with 62% coming from Facebook and 10% from X (formerly Twitter).

Yamal, who has quickly risen to prominence for Barcelona and Spain, was subjected to 60% of all this racist abuse. Vinicius Junior, his Real Madrid counterpart—himself often in headlines for similar reasons—was the target of 29% of these attacks. Other high-profile players, such as Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, Brahim Diaz, and Athletic Club’s Iñaki Williams, also suffered but to a lesser extent.

Clubs in the Spotlight: Barcelona and Real Madrid Bear Most Hate

The report also highlighted that not only individual players but entire clubs attract significant online vitriol. Real Madrid and Barcelona, Spain’s two football giants, together received 66% of all online hate speech—34% and 32% respectively. Close behind, Real Valladolid, Valencia, Athletic Club, and Real Sociedad make up the remainder of the most-targeted clubs.

For those looking to keep up to date with the latest in football, visit for more news and expert analysis.

Judicial Action Sets New Precedent in Spain

A significant milestone in the fight against racism was reached in May 2025, when five individuals were handed suspended prison sentences for racially abusing Vinicius Junior during a match at Real Valladolid’s Jose Zorrilla Stadium in September 2022. This unprecedented ruling, as described by La Liga, marked the first time Spanish courts explicitly recognized hate crimes linked to racist insults against footballers.

La Liga’s statement on the verdict emphasized the importance of the ruling: “This exemplary ruling reinforces the message that intolerance has no place in football.” The case was driven by persistent efforts from La Liga, Real Madrid, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, highlighting the growing resolve to combat this issue at every level.

Action Taken Against Rashford Abuse Incident

Spanish authorities have also acted swiftly in other cases. In October 2025, Spain’s anti-violence commission recommended a fine of €4,000 for a Real Oviedo fan, accused of racially abusing Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford during a league match. The incident was detected, reported, and investigated using stadium surveillance and social media monitoring.

While the final outcome of this case remains pending, these actions illustrate an increasing seriousness in dealing with racism both on and off the pitch.

Lamine Yamal and Vinicius Junior Prepare for La Liga Showdown

Despite the disturbing statistics, both Lamine Yamal and Vinicius Junior remain focused on football. Yamal is set to feature as Barcelona faces Celta Vigo on Sunday, with Hansi Flick’s squad hoping to close the gap to La Liga leaders Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Vinicius, who has five goals and four assists this season, will look to inspire Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano, aiming to bounce back after their recent European defeat.

Opinion: Spanish Football at a Crossroads

It is deeply troubling that, in 2025, a teenage talent like Lamine Yamal is subject to such overwhelming abuse. The scale of the problem, laid bare by this study, demands continued, unwavering action from football authorities, clubs, and law enforcement. Recent judicial decisions and increased monitoring signal progress, but lasting change depends on education, strict enforcement, and a collective stand from fans and players alike. Only then can Spanish football ensure a safe and respectful environment for all.