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I have experienced racism a thousand times
Confirmed
In Short: Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal says he has faced racism 'a thousand times' and often from people who do not realize it.
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has spoken out about the racism he has faced, saying he has encountered it 'a thousand times.' In an interview with broadcaster Movistar, Yamal detailed the pervasive nature of the discrimination he has endured.
Yamal, who helped Spain win the World Cup in July, emphasized that much of the racism he has experienced comes from individuals who may not be aware of their own prejudiced behavior. 'People are indirectly racist toward you, but maybe don't realise it,' he said.
According to a bulletin published by Spain’s Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia in March, Yamal and teammate Vinicius Jr. were the most frequent targets of online racist abuse in Spain during the final quarter of 2025.
The Spanish Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia highlighted the ongoing issue of racial discrimination in the country, with Yamal noting that most of the racism he has faced has come from people who are unaware of their own comments or behavior.
What's confirmed
- Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal said he has experienced racism “a thousand times”, with many people unaware that their comments or behaviour are racist.
- The Spanish Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia said in a bulletin published in March that Lamine and Vinicius Jr were the most frequent targets of online racist abuse in Spain in the final quarter of 2025.
- "A thousand times. People are indirectly racist toward you, but maybe don't realise it," he said.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.