Madrid, October 6, 2025 — In a development that has sent shockwaves through Spanish football, FC Barcelona’s 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal has turned down a call-up to Spain’s national team for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria. What initially appeared to be a possible injury-related absence has escalated into major controversy after Yamal cited an “important personal reason,” leaving coach Luis de la Fuente and countless fans of La Roja stunned.
“I cannot join the national team camp for an important personal reason, and I believe it’s the right choice,” Yamal announced in an open letter on social media — a statement that immediately sparked widespread speculation and disappointment.
The situation began last Thursday when De la Fuente, aware of Yamal’s ongoing groin pain — an issue that has troubled him since returning from the Euros — decided to include him in Spain’s official squad for the October FIFA window. Viewing the young winger as a cornerstone of his project, the coach reasoned, “If he can play for Barça, he can play for us.” However, in a private discussion, Yamal firmly declined the invitation, emphasizing his need to recover both physically and mentally. “I’ve been training and playing under painkillers recently, but pushing myself now could end my season. My personal reason is simple: I need time to fully recover — not just for Barça, but to give my best to Spain in the future,” he explained in his letter, which quickly went viral.
De la Fuente reacted swiftly, holding an impromptu press conference on Friday where he did not conceal his disappointment. “I’m deeply saddened. Lamine is an extraordinary talent, and his absence weakens us at a decisive stage in qualifying. I asked for an honest explanation, and while I understand it, it hurts that he has chosen personal concerns over national duty. We were counting on his magic in Elche and Valladolid,” he said.
Sources close to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed that De la Fuente requested a detailed medical report from Barcelona, but coach Hansi Flick and the club stood by Yamal, stressing that “the player’s well-being comes first.” This stance has reignited long-standing tensions between the federation and Barça — echoing previous disputes over player injuries during international tournaments.
Fans reacted with mixed emotions on social media under the hashtag #YamalVuelveYa, expressing both understanding and frustration. Many lamented the absence of the Rocafonda-born star, who already boasts 15 goals and 20 assists this season. “He’s our future, but at what cost? We understand his health comes first, but he’s leaving us short-handed against Georgia,” one fan from Madrid wrote.
In response, Spain has called up Borja Iglesias of Celta de Vigo as a replacement — a move that raised eyebrows since the striker had previously stepped away from the national team in 2023 amid the Rubiales scandal. The media was quick to comment: “From rebel to rescuer — Borja steps in where Yamal steps out,” quipped one Marca columnist.
Yamal’s decision not only poses a tactical setback — Spain lead their group with 18 points but still need results to secure qualification — it also underscores his maturity beyond his years. Born in 2007, Yamal made his senior debut for Barcelona at just 15 and helped Spain win Euro 2024 with a historic goal in the final. However, after over 80 matches in two seasons, the physical toll has been immense. Barcelona’s medical staff confirmed a 2–3 week absence due to a flare-up of his groin injury, worsened after the recent Champions League clash with PSG. Coach Flick defended him, stating: “Lamine is human, not a machine. His decision is honest, and focusing on recovery is the right call. He’ll come back stronger.”
The episode has reignited debate about the heavy workloads placed on young players. A recent FIFA study shows that footballers under 21 now suffer 30% more overuse injuries than they did ten years ago — and Yamal’s case perfectly illustrates the tension between club and country commitments. De la Fuente, despite his frustration, left the door open: “I’ll always have a spot for him. I just hope he reflects — Spain is his home.”
As Spain prepare to face Georgia and Bulgaria without their brightest young star, a sense of loss lingers. Yamal’s decision — a mix of self-care and conviction — serves as a reminder that even football’s new heroes sometimes need to rest. La Roja continues its campaign, but with a bittersweet taste. Whether Yamal returns reinvigorated for El Clásico or the Nations League remains to be seen.
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