Yamal: If they call me 'black,' it won't affect me, because I am that, not another color

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has addressed instances of racism from fans, stating that such acts do not personally affect him.

In an interview with Movistar Plus, the young talent was asked if he had encountered racist abuse directed at him.

“Yes, thousands of times. People display racism indirectly, but perhaps they don't realize it. There are many comments and looks that are often racist, but they don't understand it. I come from an environment where this is not accepted, because what is wrong cannot be acceptable, but it doesn't bother me,” Yamal shared.

He cited a specific example: “For instance, the well-known video from the Bernabéu, where they were shouting all sorts of things at me and Raphinha (Barcelona players were insulted from the stands during 'El Clásico' on October 26, 2024 – editor's note), and my reaction surprised people. Ultimately, if someone calls me 'black,' it won't affect me in any way – I am black, not another color.”

“Whether that is right or wrong is another matter, because it's said with a derogatory intent. It's not right, but when I'm playing in a match that people have paid to watch me in, I have no intention of getting angry at someone who has shown me disrespect,” the footballer concluded.