Lamine Yamal: I’m afraid to play for Spain

Robin Bairner

13 Nov 2025 08:02 GMT
4 min read

Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has told friends that he is “scared” to play for Spain, according to a report from his homeland.

Article continues under the video

Lamine was controversially included in Luis de la Fuente’s squad to play Georgia and Turkey this week, having struggled this season because of a groin injury.

The Spain boss previously said that the teenager was fully fit, but the 18-year-old had a procedure on the problem on Monday that requires around 10 days' rest, ruling him out of the World Cup qualifiers.

Current ETV

Lamine Yamal

F, M (R)

Barcelona

Lamine Yamal

F, M (R)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€164.4M - €200.9M

La Roja released a statement indicating that they were “surprised” by the news but released the player from international duty.

It is the latest chapter of a story that has caused frequent controversy since Lamine was injured with Spain in September.

Now it has been revealed by prominent journalist Josep Pedrerol that the attacker has confided that he is worried about representing his nation.

© IMAGO - Lamine Yamal has struggled this season due to a groin issue picked up on Spain duty

Lamine Yamal is truly scared of playing for Spain

Speaking on El Chiringuito, Pedrerol said: “They told me that Lamine was scared. Truly scared - not because it was a joke, no. Scared because of the injury. His friends warned him: ‘If you go to the national team, be careful, something more serious could happen.’

“Messages began to arrive from him, and he told someone at Barca: ‘I’m scared to go to the national team. I’m scared,’ said Lamine Yamal.

“From there, a Belgian doctor, who works with PSG and often with NBA players, travelled to Barcelona on Monday. He carried out a test, the radio frequency treatment. When he saw the situation with Lamine, he performed the radio frequency therapy that same day, because it was necessary to take care of him. Barcelona wanted to ensure their player was calm and properly treated.

“Afterwards, the doctor advised that it wasn’t convenient for him to travel yet, since the treatment requires seven to ten days of rest and physiotherapy, and it must be done in a peaceful environment. Barca then communicated this officially.”

Although Lamine has been unable to show the best of his form due to his groin issue, he has still returned six goals and six assists in 11 competitive matches for Barcelona this season.

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