Lamine Yamal has been under scrutiny for his off-the pitch partying ordeal, which many fear could make his promising career take a downward spiral.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal marked his 18th birthday in Ibiza with a lavish celebration—but the details of the party have sparked headlines for all the wrong reasons. 

Guests were asked to surrender their phones at the entrance, a model was reportedly paid €20,000 to attend, and entertainers of short stature were hired to add to the festivities.

The event triggered sharp criticism on social media and in the press, with some voices warning that Yamal risked following the same off-pitch path as Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, whose glittering career was undermined by his reputation for excessive partying.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Manzur Okwaro has been one of the standout performers for Harambee Stars at the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) tournament.

But one footballing great has come to the teenager’s defense. Speaking on Dutch TV show Rondo, former AC Milan star and 1988 European champion Ruud Gullit dismissed much of the outrage as overblown.

“In my opinion, the story with the people of short stature was blown out of proportion. But the best part was when they themselves said, ‘Yes, but this is how we get work. If we can’t do this, we’ll have absolutely nothing,’” Gullit remarked.

When the host suggested the issue went beyond that—citing alcohol, women, and wild parties—Gullit cut in firmly.

Despite being a revelation on the pitch at just 18 for both Barcelona and Spain, Lamine Yamal lifestyle off it is starting to become a genuine worry and concern.

“Leave him be. Can’t a person let loose sometimes? To draw such conclusions from this… Just leave him alone.”

Gullit also reflected on how the landscape for footballers has changed. He noted that during his playing days, the absence of smartphones and social media spared players from the constant public scrutiny that Yamal now faces.

“The only big problem now is that everyone has a phone, everyone has something to say, everyone has something to do. We lived through a time when there were no phones.”

At just 18, Yamal is already carrying the weight of expectation at both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. For some, his Ibiza party was a sign of immaturity. For others, it was nothing more than a teenager celebrating a milestone birthday.

Gullit’s message was clear: perspective is needed. A single party does not define a career, and young stars—just like anyone else—deserve room to breathe.

Bruno Fernandes has described Man United as “the biggest club in the world” that has not got time for rebuilds as he prepares to lead them out for a new Premier League season.

In the end, Yamal’s story is not just about one night in Ibiza, but about the pressures of modern fame. Every move is documented, every decision debated, and every misstep magnified. 

Yet, as Gullit insists, perhaps the world needs to allow a prodigious teenager the same grace it affords any young adult: the freedom to live, make mistakes, and still grow into greatness.