Last Sunday, September 7, 2025, a comment by the renowned actress and presenter Whoopi Goldberg during her program in the United States unleashed a storm of controversy that quickly crossed borders and reached Spain. In a segment dedicated to discussing international sporting events, Goldberg downplayed the achievements of the young Spanish soccer prodigy,
Lamine Yamal, stating bluntly: “He is just a footballer.” The phrase, said in a tone of indifference, immediately caused a tense atmosphere on the set, where the other panelists were visibly uncomfortable with the lack of recognition for the talent of the FC Barcelona player, who at 18 years old has brought glory to Spain with stellar performances for both his club and the national team.
Lamine Yamal, one of the most promising figures in world football, has been key to Spain’s recent successes, including his prominent role at Euro 2024, where he was named best young player of the tournament, and his contribution to the recent 6-0 win over Turkey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
With two assists in that match and a performance that has made him an idol for fans, Yamal has proven to be much more than “just a footballer.” His speed, vision of the game and maturity on the field have been praised by coaches, teammates and analysts, which caused Goldberg’s words to be perceived as unjustified disdain towards a young man who is redefining Spanish football.
Just ten minutes after the program concluded, Lamine Yamal responded to Goldberg’s comment through his official account on the social network The response, elegant but sharp, quickly resonated on social networks, where users, especially in Spain,
They did not take long to come to the defense of the young footballer. Yamal’s post went viral in a matter of minutes, accumulating millions of interactions and generating a wave of outrage against Goldberg, who was accused of minimizing the cultural and sporting impact of a rising star who represents the pride of an entire nation.
On social media, Spanish fans expressed their frustration with messages such as “Whoopi has no idea what Lamine means to us” and “Underestimating Yamal is underestimating Spain.” Even public figures and former soccer players joined the conversation. Xavi Hernández, FC Barcelona legend, wrote in X: “
Lamine is not just a footballer, he is an inspiration for young people.” The hashtag #YamalNoEsSoloUnFutbolista became a global trend, accumulating more than 500,000 publications in less than two hours.
The reaction was not limited to Spain; Soccer fans in Latin America, Europe and other parts of the world also criticized Goldberg, noting that his comment reflected a lack of understanding about the importance of soccer as a global phenomenon.
The impact of Goldberg’s words was not only felt on social networks, but also in the Spanish media, which dedicated extensive spaces to analyzing the incident. Sports programs such as “El Chiringuito” and “Estudio Estadio” heatedly debated the presenter’s statement,
with some commentators accusing her of ignorance and others suggesting her words could have been taken out of context. However, most agreed that the comment was unnecessarily derogatory towards a player who, despite his young age, has shown exceptional maturity both on and off the field.
Yamal’s response, for its part, was widely praised for its intelligence and restraint. Instead of falling into provocations or responding aggressively, the young man opted for a message that highlighted his confidence in his own talent and in the achievements that have made him a figure of global relevance.
Analysts highlighted that Yamal’s phrase not only embarrassed Goldberg, but also consolidated his image as an athlete with character, capable of handling media pressure with the same ease with which he dribbles at his rivals on the grass.
The incident also opened a broader debate about the recognition of young athletes on the global stage. Lamine Yamal, born in Esplugues de Llobregat to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, represents the diversity and talent of a new generation of Spanish footballers. His meteoric rise has been compared to that of legends such as Lionel Messi,
and his ability to handle fame at such a young age has made him a role model for many. Goldberg’s words, in this context, were seen by many as an attempt to reduce the importance of a player who transcends sport, being a symbol of integration and excellence.
On the sporting front, the incident does not appear to have affected Yamal’s approach. According to sources close to FC Barcelona, the player continued training normally and is preparing for the next La Liga match against Real Betis, where he is expected to continue proving his worth. Meanwhile,
In the United States, some media reported that Goldberg received criticism for his comment, but so far he has not issued an official apology or clarified his words. On social media, however, users speculate that the presenter could address the issue in the next episode of her show, given the scope of the controversy.
In conclusion, Whoopi Goldberg’s comment about Lamine Yamal not only sparked an immediate reaction on social media, but also highlighted the passion that football arouses around the world. Yamal’s response, with its wit and serenity, not only revealed the presenter’s lack of tact,
but also reinforced his status as a star that goes beyond the field of play. As Spain celebrates its young hero, the incident serves as a reminder that talent, like Yamal’s, does not need words to shine: his deeds, on and off the field, speak for themselves.
