Balde speaks out for Yamal after weeks of scrutiny and setbacks

November 4, 2025 Oliver Obel

Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde has publicly backed his teammate Lamine Yamal, who has faced increasing criticism in recent weeks over his form and off-field headlines.

The 18-year-old winger has struggled to rediscover his sharpness since suffering a pubic injury during Spain duty in September — an issue that continues to limit his explosiveness even after returning to action.

Mixed Fortunes on the Pitch

Barcelona’s recent run has been inconsistent. After falling 2–1 to Real Madrid on October 26 — a match overshadowed by Yamal’s controversial pre-Clásico comments — the Catalans bounced back with a much-needed win over Elche on Sunday.

In that victory, Yamal provided a reminder of his talent. Just nine minutes in, he latched onto a precise pass from Balde to open the scoring. Though later substituted after a lively first half, his display suggested a player determined to silence critics and push through lingering discomfort.

According to Marca, Yamal’s injury continues to flare up intermittently, something the coaching staff is carefully monitoring.

Standing by His Teammate

After the match, Balde urged supporters and pundits alike to show patience with the teenager.

“It’s true that he’s always in the spotlight, but I think Lamine is a great professional despite his young age,” Balde told reporters after the Elche game. “What he is doing at only 18 years old is incredible. Sometimes people don’t appreciate what he does, as they should. At his age, what he’s doing can’t be described in words.”

That praise is backed by Yamal’s résumé. He helped Spain win the European Championship at just 16 and played a key role in taking his country to the UEFA Nations League final before his 18th birthday. For such a young player, the expectations are immense.

After the Clásico

Following the loss to Real Madrid, Yamal reportedly exchanged heated words with Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Jr., even challenging Carvajal to “settle things” in the return fixture, according to ESPN. Off the pitch, he again trended on social media — this time due to reports of a personal breakup — though he avoided commenting further on Madrid after his earlier streaming controversy.

Managing Recovery and Expectations

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has acknowledged that Yamal is still dealing with discomfort from his injury but praised his commitment to recovery.

“He has to manage his injury; he’s disciplined. He has to train, undergo treatment — he’s doing it,” Flick said, as quoted by Reuters. “I can’t say the injury is over; it comes and goes. And he has to manage it.”

Flick added that Yamal’s attitude in training continues to impress, emphasizing that his maturity will be key as the squad navigates a congested fixture list.

Looking Ahead

Barcelona now travel to Belgium to face Club Brugge in the Champions League, currently sitting third in their group standings. A victory would give them momentum ahead of their final pre-break La Liga match against Celta Vigo.

With a five-point gap separating them from league leaders Real Madrid, Flick’s men know that every point matters as they head into a demanding stretch of fixtures after the international break.

Sources: Marca, ESPN, Reuters, BBC Sport