Former Barcelona midfielder Rafinha Alcantara has criticized teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, accusing him of showing a “lack of maturity” after Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the latest El Clasico.
According to a report by Goal, Rafinha suggested that Yamal’s heated exchanges with Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal before the game gave Los Blancos “extra motivation” to secure victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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The 17-year-old Yamal had made headlines in the days leading up to the match after his confident comments about Real Madrid’s defense and his growing importance at Barcelona. But after Madrid came from behind to win, Rafinha did not hold back in his criticism.
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“He sinned! That’s the word. He showed a lack of maturity,” Rafinha told reporters. “When you play in El Clasico, words matter. You don’t give your rivals reasons to fight harder.”
The defeat has reignited debates around how Barcelona should handle their younger players under pressure. Yamal, who has been hailed as one of La Masia’s brightest talents, has already earned comparisons to Lionel Messi for his flair and creativity — but this latest criticism could serve as a learning moment.
Rafinha added that while Yamal’s potential is unquestionable, he must “learn to manage emotions and the media attention that comes with success.”
Barcelona’s next La Liga fixture will test whether the teenager can bounce back from the controversy and silence his critics on the pitch.
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