Lamine Yamal Raises Palestinian Flag at La Liga Title Celebration, Draws Waves of Support
Hafsa Adil
Spanish football star Lamine Yamal raised a Palestinian flag during Barcelona's open-top bus parade after winning La Liga, a move that quickly earned widespread praise from fans, activists and athletes around the world. The 18-year-old's gesture went viral on social media, drawing both acclaim and criticism. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he told Yamal the decision was his own.
Spanish football star Lamine Yamal has drawn praise for a “very brave” gesture after raising a Palestinian flag during Barcelona's open-top bus parade celebrating their La Liga title.
On Monday, the 18-year-old held and waved a large Palestinian flag as the Spanish champions interacted with thousands of Barca fans lining the streets of the Catalan capital, hours after a 2-0 El Clasico win over Real Madrid secured a second consecutive top-flight title.
Yamal, who appeared relaxed standing along the right-side railing of the bus, missed Sunday's match due to injury but joined his teammates for the champions' parade the following day.
Video of his clear show of solidarity with the Palestinian people instantly went viral on social media, drawing praise from football fans, experts, activists and fellow players.
“For some it may seem like a simple gesture, but in Gaza it touches hearts in ways words cannot describe,” wrote Muhammed Akram, a Palestinian student in Gaza. “Thank you, Lamine Yamal. From Gaza, you are loved more than you know.”
The Palestinian flag has been raised by protesters and pro-Palestinian activists in hundreds of cities worldwide over the past two-and-a-half years. Many view it as an act of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, who have endured the fury of Israel's genocide since October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian group Hamas attacked Israel.
Israel has killed more than 72,740 Palestinians since October 2023, including 854 deaths during a “ceasefire” signed last October.
Yamal used Barcelona's big celebration to show support for Palestine, and some activists believe his single act did more to raise awareness than others.
“When you have a platform, use it,” wrote Dyab Abou Jahjah, Lebanese political activist and writer. “When you have a voice, speak up. Bravo Lamine Yamal.”
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick said he discussed the incident with Yamal. “I talked to him and said: 'If you want to do it, it's your decision, you're old enough,'” the German coach told reporters on Tuesday.
After the celebration, the Spanish forward posted a photo of himself holding the Palestinian flag along with other pictures from the event on his Instagram account. Yamal has 44.2 million followers on the social platform, where his post received 5.3 million likes and more than 100,000 shares.
Prominent Palestinian poet and writer Mosab Abu Toha commented on Yamal's post: “We love you, from Gaza.” England teammate Marcus Rashford and Dutch player Anwar El Ghazi were among 166,000 people commenting on his post, which included seven photos.
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, founded in 2005 to support Palestinian rights and end Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory, also praised Yamal's action. “Thank you for this humane gesture,” the movement's Spanish account tweeted. “Sport has the power to make visible what the world should not forget.”
Meanwhile, some pro-Israel social media users attacked Yamal, saying he should “never wear the Spanish shirt” and that his act alone would ensure he never wins the prestigious Ballon d'Or despite his on-field achievements. Others, however, praised him for not worrying about consequences and standing up for the oppressed.
“Lamine Yamal raising the Palestinian flag is a powerful gesture of solidarity and human dignity,” said Neus Torbisco Casals, a Barcelona academic and activist. “It is a reminder that sport can also be a voice against genocide, oppression and in support of peoples' freedom.” She added: “A very brave Catalan boy spoke up when a thousand pressures demanded silence. These gestures can inspire millions around the world.”
Yamal, a Muslim whose father moved from Morocco to Spain, has previously spoken out against racism and Islamophobia in Spanish football. Last month, he criticised anti-Islam chants by fans during Spain's friendly match against Egypt and issued a strong statement on social media.
“Just 14 seconds … but enough to make me cry,” wrote Haitham el-Masri, a Palestinian student from Gaza. “A moment that will forever be in history, remembered as one of the most profound humane moments the world has witnessed.”
