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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly defended Lamine Yamal following the controversy surrounding the Barcelona star’s decision to wave a Palestinian flag during the club’s La Liga title celebrations.
The debate began after Yamal was seen holding a Palestinian flag aboard Barcelona’s open-top parade bus on May 11, during celebrations marking the club’s 29th league title. Images of the 18-year-old quickly spread online and sparked reactions inside and outside the football world.
Speaking to reporters, Sánchez responded by linking the moment to Spain’s official political position.
“Spain has recognized the state of Palestine,” he said. “From the very beginning, Spain condemned the attacks by Hamas, and later condemned the war being waged by the Israeli authorities in the Gaza Strip.”
He also reportedly added that “it is time to end the war,” reinforcing Spain’s calls for a diplomatic solution.
The Spanish Prime Minister supports Lamine Yamal after he raised the Palestinian flag.
The entire Spanish state did not object to Lamine’s action.Spain ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BEvNIzhs8r
— GBX (@GBX_Press) May 14, 2026
Football celebration turns into wider debate
Yamal’s gesture came during Barcelona’s title parade after the club sealed the 2025-26 La Liga crown with a 2-0 Clásico victory over rivals Real Madrid. Hundreds of thousands of fans filled the streets during the celebrations.
The incident quickly drew mixed reactions.
Earlier this week, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick admitted he was not fully comfortable with political gestures during football celebrations, while still emphasizing that Yamal had the right to make his own choices.
“I don’t like it,” Flick said. “I spoke to him and if he wants to do it, it’s his decision. He is 18.”
Yamal later posted images of himself with the flag on social media, further amplifying discussion around the moment.
Read also: Flick ‘Didn’t Like’ Lamine Yamal’s Palestine Flag Gesture During Barcelona Parade
