The FC Barcelona dressing room is in turmoil following the euphoric 4–3 victory at the Bernabéu. Lamine Yamal, the hero of El Clásico thanks to his decisive goal, has sparked unexpected controversy by openly questioning a teammate’s compatibility with his style of play and professional values. “I’d rather sit on the bench all season than play another minute alongside him. Every time he’s on the pitch, I feel like I’m betraying my career and my principles,” declared the 18-year-old, visibly shaken but resolute, in the post-match interviews.
Although Yamal avoided naming names, cameras caught him glancing toward the right wing during the celebration, and insiders quickly pointed to Raphinha. The Brazilian, who missed a penalty in the 67th minute and was scolded for his protests, appears to have been the source of the conflict. Witnesses claim Yamal confronted him in the tunnel, saying, “If you can’t handle the pressure, you should stay in Brazil.”
The remarks spread rapidly. Within an hour, #YamalVsRaphinha was trending worldwide. The young star later added, “This isn’t personal—it’s professional. If he keeps starting, I’ll have to rethink my future here. I didn’t come to Barça to carry others’ mistakes.” His words have reportedly left both the board and the coaching staff in a difficult position.
Coach Hansi Flick, known for his strict leadership, intervened immediately. According to Sport, the German manager met privately with both players at the Ciutat Esportiva early Monday morning. “I won’t tolerate divisions. You’re Blaugranas or you’re nothing,” he allegedly told them. Preparing for the upcoming Champions League clash with Bayern, Flick stated he would make “sporting, not emotional” decisions—but the internal damage seems done.
Raphinha responded on social media with a brief message: “Silence gives consent. I’ll answer on the field.” Since joining Barça for €58 million in 2022, he’s scored eight goals this season, though his inconsistency in big games has drawn criticism. Yamal, meanwhile, remains untouchable with 12 goals and 9 assists in 18 matches.
The Catalan press quickly took sides. Mundo Deportivo proclaimed, “Yamal, the boy who already commands,” while Sport warned, “Barça’s dressing room on the brink of rupture.” In Madrid, AS and Marca mocked: “Barça implodes right after winning El Clásico.”
Club president Joan Laporta has reportedly convened an emergency meeting with Deco and Flick. Sources suggest a compromise is being discussed: enforced rotation among attackers and a “mandatory coexistence” clause. “We can’t let an 18-year-old dictate the lineup, but his influence is undeniable,” admitted one director.
Fans are deeply divided online—some siding with Yamal (“He’s right, Raphinha’s a liability”), others criticizing him (“A kid can’t disrespect a teammate”). Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, already at the center of controversy after the match, declined to comment: “My son speaks for himself.”
Tuesday’s training session will be decisive. Flick has banned all media interactions and ordered closed-door practices. Yet the situation has already detonated: despite leading LaLiga, Barça now faces its greatest internal crisis since the Messi era. Will Yamal accept sharing the dressing room with someone he considers “a betrayal of his honor”? Or will the club bow to the demands of its 18-year-old prodigy?
Once again, football reminds us: victories on the pitch don’t always mean peace behind closed doors.
