Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona winger, has been dropped from the Spanish national team for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Georgia and Turkey. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced the decision on Tuesday, citing a nagging groin injury that required further treatment.
According to the RFEF, Yamal underwent an "invasive radiofrequency treatment for discomfort in his pubis" on Monday. The federation stated that this procedure will sideline the young star for approximately seven to ten days. This timeline effectively rules him out of the crucial World Cup qualifiers. Rayo Vallecano forward Jorge de Frutos has been called up as his replacement.
The RFEF also released a statement expressing "surprise and concern" that they were only informed of Yamal's treatment on Monday, the same day the national team's training camp commenced in Madrid. They noted that the procedure was carried out without prior communication to the national team's medical staff. The RFEF only received a report detailing the treatment and the recommended rest period later that evening.
This latest development has further strained the relationship between Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Tensions first arose in September when Yamal aggravated the groin injury while playing for Spain. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick openly criticized Spain's handling of the situation, suggesting that Yamal was played for "unnecessary minutes" despite feeling discomfort. Flick stated that Yamal went with the national team in pain and didn't train and that he was given painkillers to play. The RFEF responded by asserting that they had not received any prior notification from Barcelona regarding Yamal's injury and that regular communication occurs between the national team's medical personnel and club doctors.
Yamal's groin problem has been a recurring issue this season. He was sidelined for five Barcelona games and two previous World Cup qualifiers for Spain. Despite this, he has featured in six games for Barcelona leading up to this international break, even scoring in Barcelona's 4-2 La Liga win over Celta Vigo just this past Sunday. He was subbed during stoppage time.
Lamine Yamal has had a meteoric rise to prominence. The Barcelona youth academy product broke into the first team during the 2023-24 season and quickly established himself as a key player. Known for his flair, chance creation, and long-distance goals, he is considered one of the best young players in the world. In 2024 and 2025, he won the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player in the world. He was also instrumental in Barcelona's domestic treble win last season. At the international level, Yamal became the youngest player to ever represent and score for Spain in 2023. He also played a significant role in Spain's Euro 2024 victory.
The RFEF has emphasized that their priority is the "player's health, safety, and well-being". The federation expressed hope for Yamal's swift recovery and return to full fitness. It remains to be seen how this latest disagreement will affect the relationship between Barcelona and Spain moving forward.
