Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has issued a powerful response to the offensive chants directed at him during the Euro 2024 semi-final against France.
The 16-year-old winger was targeted with Islamophobic abuse from a section of French supporters in Munich. Videos circulating online show fans chanting “We are racist, we are racist! That’s how we like it!” in Spanish, specifically aimed at the Barcelona player.
Following Spain’s dramatic 2-1 victory, which secured their place in the final, Yamal addressed the incident directly. When asked about the chants by a reporter, he stated, “I am Muslim, Alhamdulillah.” The phrase, meaning “Praise be to God” in Arabic, served as a dignified and firm rebuttal to the abuse.
According to a report from Dutch outlet Bladna, Yamal was furious upon hearing the chants during the match. The article reveals that the player’s strong religious faith was a central part of his reaction to the provocation.
On the pitch, Yamal had the last laugh. He delivered a stunning, curling equalizer in the 21st minute, becoming the youngest-ever goalscorer at a European Championship. Dani Olmo’s winner four minutes later completed the comeback after Randal Kolo Muani’s early header for France.
UEFA has since opened a disciplinary investigation into the “alleged discriminatory behavior” during the match. The governing body is gathering evidence before deciding on potential sanctions for the French Football Federation.
Yamal and his Spanish teammates will now prepare to face either England or the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin this Sunday.
