The world of football has stopped this afternoon of January 20, 2026 due to the painful news that has hit the young talent of FC Barcelona and the Spanish team, Lamine Yamal. Just a few minutes after the first rumors circulated on social networks and specialized media, the 18-year-old player himself confirmed the tragic information through an emotional message on his Instagram stories: an irreparable loss within his closest family has plunged the Blaugrana star into deep pain.

Although Lamine Yamal has not publicly detailed the exact name of the affected family member or the precise circumstances of the death – out of respect for privacy and family mourning -, sources close to the player’s environment have confirmed that it is a very close loved one, someone who was a fundamental part of his daily life and who was always by his side since his beginnings at La Masia. The footballer’s message, accompanied by a black and white photograph of his childhood with that person, read: “Thank you for everything you gave me.

I will always take you with me.”

Rest in peace. I love you infinitely.” The publication, which has already accumulated millions of views and reactions, has been the trigger for the world of sports and millions of fans to send their condolences.

FC Barcelona was one of the first to officially react. Through a statement issued from the club’s offices, the culé entity expressed: “FC Barcelona and its entire Blaugrana family join in the pain of Lamine Yamal and his entourage for the irreparable loss of a loved one. In these difficult moments, our player has all the support, affection and understanding of the club. We are at his disposal for whatever he needs. Rest in peace.” Joan Laporta, president of the club, added in his personal account: “Lamine, you are one of us. Your pain is ours.

Strength, crack. “We love you.”

Hansi Flick, first team coach, who has made Yamal an indisputable piece of his tactical scheme, also wanted to send a personal message: “Lamine is more than a player for me; he is an extraordinary boy with a huge heart. Today more than ever, my thoughts are with him and his family. Football can wait; the important thing is emotional health and unconditional support.” The German coach has given the young man complete freedom to be absent from training sessions and matches that he considers necessary, prioritizing his well-being above any sporting commitment.

The news has quickly spread across borders. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), through its president Pedro Rocha, published: “On behalf of the entire family of the Spanish team, we send our deepest condolences to Lamine Yamal and his loved ones. Lamine is a source of pride for Spain and an example of improvement. We are with you in this very difficult moment.”

La Roja players like Rodri, Pedri, Nico Williams and Fermín López flooded their networks with messages of support: broken hearts, prayer emojis and phrases like “Strength brother, we are all here” or “Your family is ours now.”

In Barcelona’s circle, teammates like Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha and Pau Cubarsí also spoke publicly. Lewandowski wrote: “Lamine, my young friend, the pain you feel now is immense, but remember that you are not alone. I send you all my strength from the heart.” Pau Cubarsí, one of his best friends in the locker room, shared a photo together with the caption: “Always together, in good times and bad. I love you very much, brother.”

The culé fans, known for their passion and loyalty, have responded with a wave of affection. On the club’s social networks and in forums such as Reddit or the supporters’ clubs’ WhatsApp groups, thousands of messages have filled the digital space: “Lamine, you are bigger than any trophy. Strength and a lot of encouragement”, “From the Camp Nou we send you a giant hug”, “May Allah give you patience and comfort in these difficult times”. Even outside the Spotify Camp Nou, some fans have left flowers and candles as a sign of respect.

Lamine Yamal, who in recent months has experienced a meteoric rise – Under-21 Ballon d’Or, undisputed title holder for Barça and the national team, records for precocity – has always stood out for his maturity and the central role that his family plays in his life. In multiple interviews he has repeated that “the real pressure is to help the family move forward,” remembering the sacrifices of his parents and the unconditional support he received from Rocafonda, his hometown neighborhood in Mataró.

This loss comes at a time when the young man was enjoying a spectacular season, with decisive goals in LaLiga and the Champions League, but football, as he himself has hinted, is taking a backseat.

The club has activated its psychological and emotional support protocol for players in grieving situations. Internal sources indicate that Lamine could be absent from upcoming commitments, including the key LaLiga duel against Atlético de Madrid, although the final decision will be made by him along with his closest entourage. Barcelona has canceled any media activities scheduled for the player in the coming weeks.

In these moments of immense sadness, football once again demonstrates its human side. Beyond the goals, titles and statistics, Lamine Yamal is an 18-year-old boy who has just received the hardest blow of his life. The entire world, from teammates, rivals, fans and even strangers, has come together to tell him: “We are with you, Lamine. May your loved one rest in peace. Strength.”

May time heal the wounds and may the love received serve as a balm in this painful situation. Barça and Spanish football cry with him.