The world of football and the Spanish media are boiling after an explosive exchange that has captured global attention. During the Golden Ball 2025 in Paris, television presenter Carlota Corredera unleashed a storm when pronouncing a derogatory comment about Lamine Yamal, the young star of FC Barcelona, ​​after her non -victory in the prestigious award. With a tone loaded with disdain, Corredera said: “He is only a footballer,” a phrase that many interpreted as a discriminatory attack, insinuating that Yamal’s non -Spanish origins made him less deserving of recognition. The comment, issued in a Telecinco program, generated a tense atmosphere immediately, with the public and the panelists in shock before the presenter’s attitude. However, what Corredera did not anticipate was Yamal’s fulminating response, who, just ten minutes after the gala, published a ten -word message on social networks that left the journalist ashamed and unleashed a wave of indignation online.

The incident occurred on the set ofLong live life, where slide, known for its direct and sometimes controversial style, analyzed the results of the Golden Ball. Yamal, only 18, had been nominated after a spectacular season in which it was consolidated as one of the greatest promises of world football, leading Barcelona with goals and key assists. Although he did not win the prize, his nomination was a milestone for such a young player, especially one born in Spain of Moroccan and Ecuadoguinean ancestry. However, Corredera, commenting on her defeat, minimized her achievements with a phrase that many considered xenophobic. “He is just a footballer, not a national hero,” he added, ignoring Yamal’s impact on the league and his role in the revitalization of Barcelona after years of ups and downs. The comment, captured live, quickly went viral on platforms such as X, where the hashtags #coriraracista and #yamalorgullo began to dominate trends.

Yamal’s response was swift. From Paris, minutes after the gala, the young man published on Instagram a brief but devastating message: “Not only game, I inspire. My pride does not need trophies.” The ten words, accompanied by a photo of him with the Barcelona shirt, were a master blow that resonated worldwide. The publication accumulated more than 15 million interactions in a few hours, with fans, companions and public figures by praising the maturity and poise of the young man. Lionel Messi, Legend of Barcelona, ​​commented: “You are bigger than the words, Lamine.” The answer not only silenced Corredera, but also highlighted the implicit bias in his comments, unleashing a collective fury on social networks. Users accused the presenter of perpetuating stereotypes and belittling a player who has brought glory to Spanish football.

The background of the incident adds complexity. Carlota Corredera, a prominent figure on Spanish television, has been both praised and criticized for its focus without filters in heart programs. His comment about Yamal, however, crossed a line for many, especially in a context where diversity in Spanish sport is in the center of the debate. Yamal, born in Mataró and raised in a multicultural environment, has been a symbol of inclusion, inspiring young people from diverse origins. His meteoric rise, from his record debut with Barcelona at age 15 to his nomination to the Golden Ball, has been held as a victory for the new football generation. That Corredera, an influential figure, would choose to reduce it to “only one footballer” was seen as an attempt to delegitimize his cultural impact.

The reaction in networks was immediate and overwhelming. The hashtag #BoicotCoriredra became a trend in Spain, with thousands of users demanding a public apology. Actress Penelope Cruz, known for her support for Spanish football, tweeted: “Lamine represents the best of us. Hate does not take place.” Even politicians such as the Minister of Culture and Sports, Miquel Iceta, pronounced: “Yamal is a national pride, and no one should minimize it because of its origin.” On the Telecinco set, the tension was evident in the subsequent emissions, with collaborators such as Belén Esteban defending Yamal: “It is a kid who is making history, enough to attack him!”

Corredera, meanwhile, has not issued a formal apology, although nearby sources indicate that it is “devastated” by the reaction. A statement from Telecinco tried to calm the waters, stating that “the opinions of our presenters do not reflect the position of the chain.” However, the controversy has revived criticism against the station, accused of promoting sensational and divisive narratives. Organizations such as SOS racism have requested sanctions, arguing that sliding comment reinforces harmful stereotypes in an increasingly diverse country.

The impact on Yamal seems to have been minimal in terms of its trust. In a later press conference, the young man smiled when asked about the incident: “I don’t stop in words. Game for my family, my team and my people.” His coach, Hansi Flick, supported him: “Lamine is a leader, inside and outside the field. What he said in networks demonstrates it.” The next Barcelona match against Real Madrid, the classic, promises to be a scenario where Yamal can respond with his football, as he has always done.

This episode has not only exposed tensions in the Spanish media, but has also consolidated Yamal as a cultural icon. His response, elegant but firm, has inspired millions, reminding them that talent transcends the barriers. Meanwhile, Corredera faces unprecedented scrutiny, with rumors that her contract with Telecinco could be at risk. Football, once again, becomes a mirror of society, where a phrase can unleash a revolution and an 18 -year -old can silence his critics with only ten words. Yamal’s story is far from finishing, but this chapter has shown that, more than a footballer, it is a symbol of resistance and pride. (Words: 802)