Rising Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been released from the Spain national team’s training camp as the squad prepares for World Cup qualifiers, marking a sharp turn in relations between club and country.
The decision by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) came after Spain’s medical staff learned, with frustration, that the 18-year-old had undergone a radio-frequency procedure to treat his groin discomfort on the very day camp opened — a treatment that meant a recommended 7–10 days’ rest. The medical update arrived late Monday night, prompting Spain’s federation to pull the young forward from the squad.
Yamal had been named in Spain coach Luis de la Fuente’s squad to face Georgia and Turkey in crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The federation issued a statement expressing surprise and concern over the timing and lack of prior communication:
“This procedure was carried out without prior communication to the medical staff of the National Team,” the RFEF said.
Barcelona, meanwhile, confirmed that Yamal is suffering a recurrence of pubic area discomfort and will be sidelined for a spell for recovery. The timing has triggered criticism from Barça’s sporting staff, with head coach Hansi Flick publicly expressing his displeasure at what he described as “not taking care” of the teenager properly.
For now, Yamal will focus on his rehabilitation at Barcelona. While his club continue to value him highly, the incident highlights a growing tension between his commitments at club and country. Spain’s qualification campaign continues without their young prodigy, and both parties will need to navigate the delicate balance of his development, fitness and international future.
As of now, no formal disciplinary action has been announced and no longer-term change to Yamal’s national team status has been confirmed. The spotlight will now shift to how Barcelona, Spain and Yamal himself manage the fallout — and whether this episode will impact the young star’s availability for his country going forward.
