Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal praises Lamine Yamal

Dani Carvajal, captain of Real Madrid and regarding the Spanish national team, has come out in defense of Lamine Yamal In an interview with Cope, the full-back highlighted the maturity and talent of the young Barça forward, calling him "one of the leaders of Barça and the national team" despite being only 18 years old. His comments have sparked outrage among Real Madrid fans.

"We've suffered this year at the club. The kid is changing his game for the better and making giant strides. We're enjoying ourselves here with the national team," Carvajal began during the first day of the national team's training camp for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. "He's so young and he already has the responsibility of being a national team player; it's not easy to assume, but he works hard on the pitch and continues to put in exceptional performances," the Real Madrid full-back added.

These statements didn't go down well with Real Madrid fans, who erupted on social media against their captain:

Carvajal also referred to the latest refereeing controversy during the Rayo-Barça this weekend: "I wouldn't have called a penalty (on Lamine Yamal), but I wouldn't have called a penalty on Balde in Ciutat de València either, it's not fanaticism"Güler's was a handball, according to the referees' explanation. There's no need to challenge it," he declared.