‘Another reason to be proud of him’ – Lamine Yamal defended by Spain’s Prime Minster after Barcelona star criticised for waving Palestine flag

TL;DR

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended Lamine Yamal after he faced criticism for waving a Palestinian flag during Barcelona's title celebrations. Sánchez stated that Yamal's gesture reflects the solidarity with Palestine felt by many Spaniards.

Key points

Lamine Yamal waved a Palestinian flag during celebrations
Pedro Sánchez defended Yamal's gesture on social media
Israel's Defense Minister criticized Yamal for inciting hate
Sánchez emphasized solidarity with Palestine among Spaniards

Mentioned in this story

Lamine YamalFC BarcelonaPedro SánchezIsrael Katz

Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona during the La Liga EA Sports 2025/26 ''El Clasico'' match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on May, 2026. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has defended Lamine Yamal following criticism of the Barcelona star for waving a Palestinian flag during the team’s title celebrations earlier this week. Yamal was spotted waving the flag as the team made their way through the city and also posted pictures on Instagram afterwards. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz criticised the teenager for his gesture in a post on X that read: “Lamine Yamal chose to incite hate against Israel while our soldiers combat the terrorist organisation Hamas, an organisation that massacred, raped and burned Jewish children, women and the elderly on Oct. 7, [2023].” Sanchez has now had his say and has made his thoughts on the situation clear. “Those who consider waving the flag of a State to be “inciting hatred” have either lost their judgment or been blinded by their own ignominy,” he posted on X. “Lamine has only expressed the solidarity with Palestine felt by millions of Spaniards. Another reason to be proud of him.”

Q&A

Why did Lamine Yamal wave a Palestinian flag during Barcelona's celebrations?

Lamine Yamal waved the Palestinian flag to express solidarity with Palestine during Barcelona's title celebrations.

What was the reaction of Israel's Defense Minister to Yamal's actions?

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz criticized Yamal, accusing him of inciting hate against Israel amid ongoing conflicts.

What did Spain's Prime Minister say in defense of Lamine Yamal?

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Yamal's actions represent the solidarity felt by millions of Spaniards and criticized those who see it as inciting hatred.