FC Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal is in legal trouble following the dwarfism row at his 18th birthday party, as Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has requested that the Prosecutor’s Office open an investigation into the footballer for reportedly hiring entertainers with dwarfism for the birthday fiesta in Olivella.
Yamal turned 18 on 13 July 2025, and threw a grand mafia-themed birthday party that was attended by his Barcelona teammates and influencers, including Gavi and Robert Lewandowski.
Media reports suggested that individuals with achondroplasia – a genetic disorder that causes dwarfism – were hired as entertainers, prompting widespread backlash against the youngster, amid claims that it violated Spain’s disability legislation, which prohibits “activities … used to provoke mockery … contrary to respect for human dignity”.
Spanish disability rights group ADEE, the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias, has now announced legal action against Yamal, with BBC Sports confirming that a legal complaint has been filed over the incident.
Carolina Puente, the ADEE President, said, “When influential individuals engage in these practices, the harm is amplified because it normalises discrimination.”
The Spanish Ministry has reportedly asked multiple agencies, including the Hate Crimes Office and the Ombudsman, to determine whether the event violated Spain’s disability laws.
As per a report by ESPN, the party attendees were not allowed to record the event on their phones, but several videos later made their way to social media, where entertainers with dwarfism can be seen arriving at the venue near Barcelona.
If Yamal is found guilty, he can be fined up to EUR 1 million, news.com.au reported.
Entertainer Defends Yamal Amid Dwarfism Row
Amid all the controversy, Yamal has found a voice of support from one of the people with dwarfism who was reportedly among those hired for his birthday party. The unnamed performer, in an interview with the Spanish radio station RAC1, said, “No one disrespected us, we worked in peace.
“I don't understand why there's so much hype. We're normal people, who do what we want, in an absolutely legal way.”
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona refused to comment on the issue, saying that it will wait for “concrete information” before making a formal assessment.
