The Palestinian flag of Lamine Yamal

He who takes a flag takes a burden. Of all symbols, the colored cloths representing countries are the most epic. And although he is only 18 years old, we will agree that Lamine Yamal is fully aware of this.

When he was asked at 15 if he was not afraid to play with the adults, he used to answer that fear had left him in the streets of Rocafonda. He who in a corner of the Bernabéu was told to go sell handkerchiefs at the traffic lights knows that life is full of racists. He who after the “Muslim who doesn't jump!” confronted via social media the same racists knows that, with or without pretext, there is always someone willing to belittle you. For all these reasons, including his cultural origins, when Lamine Yamal waves the flag of Palestine, it is not posturing but conviction: he already imagines the consequences of all this, but he doesn't care at all.

It was a team celebration, some lament. Oh, how players don't grab flags when they are celebrating a title. I prefer Lamine Yamal to commit and make a gesture that shows he knows what world he lives in, rather than celebrating his coming of age with a gangster-themed party. Flick did not like it. I think the guilt for the Holocaust with which a 61-year-old German has been educated explains his reaction, apart from the almost paternal protection he projects over this squad of Barça's cubs.

Israel's Minister of Defense has accused Lamine Yamal of spreading hatred. It's the usual: accusing others of what you do. The destruction of Gaza and the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians perpetrated by Netanyahu's government are a crime against humanity. Is the Israeli government really surprised by the rejection it has caused? Lamine Yamal is an icon, and football is a great loudspeaker. So brace yourselves, because, if all goes well, this kid can make history.