Barcelona president Joan Laporta clarified Lamine Yamal’s withdrawal from Spain duty due to pubalgia, emphasizing the club’s priority for his health and commitment despite the injury.
According to a report from Barca Blaugranes, Barcelona president Joan Laporta addressed the uproar following Lamine Yamal’s exclusion from Spain’s squad due to a groin-related issue.
The teenage winger, who had recently undergone treatment for pubalgia after the club’s win over Celta Vigo, was withdrawn from international duty — triggering criticism by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) over the timing and communication of the diagnosis. Laporta explained:
“We informed them when we received the response from the doctor who examined him. Our doctors passed it on to the Federation’s doctors, and that’s how it’s been going. We don’t want any controversy.”
He further elaborated: “The specialist came on Monday, made the diagnosis, prescribed the treatment, and that’s how it’s been going. Barça wants him in the best possible condition and we want him available; that’s how it’s happened, and it coincided with the national team’s match, but the national team already has him well on track.”
Laporta also praised Yamal’s maturity under pain, stating:
“I’m not worried at all. He’s a player who needs to be protected and supported, but he’s much more mature than any other kid his age. He’s currently dealing with pubalgia, and it’s very commendable that he’s still playing.
That shows his commitment. As a footballer, he’s a genius, and we have to protect him and help him improve every day because he hasn’t yet reached his peak. He’s the best in the world in his position.”
Laporta’s firm public defence underscores Barcelona’s stance of prioritising the player’s welfare amid tensions with the national federation.