Kylian Mbappé has called for privacy and understanding for Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, urging critics to “leave him alone” amid growing scrutiny.
France captain Kylian Mbappé has defended Barcelona and Spain prodigy Lamine Yamal, urging critics to stop prying into the teenager’s private life. In an interview with Jorge Valdano to be aired on Movistar, Mbappé said, “People talk about his personal life, but I think people should leave him alone.” Yamal, 18, recently faced scrutiny over off-field issues despite winning the Kopa Trophy for the world’s best under-21 player for the second consecutive year. His club, Barcelona, also clashed with Spain’s national team over his fitness ahead of the international break.
“You can see [Lamine] has passion for football and that’s the only thing he mustn’t lose,” Mbappé added. The forward reminded fans that “at 18 everyone makes mistakes,” describing Yamal as “a player with great talent.”
The Barcelona winger has scored two goals and assisted three in LaLiga this season. Mbappé, himself once a teenage star, is on duty with France despite a mild ankle sprain.