Tension has erupted between Spain’s football federation and Barcelona following revelations that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal underwent a medical procedure without notifying national team doctors.
Spanish football chiefs were blindsided after discovering that Yamal, 18, had a radiofrequency treatment for a recurring groin problem — just hours before he was expected to report for international duty.
Spain’s medical team was informed late in the night, prompting anger and confusion within the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Yamal had been called up for Spain’s fixtures against Georgia and Turkey but was released three days later after the RFEF confirmed he was medically unfit to train.
The federation’s medical department described the operation as “invasive” and expressed “surprise and discomfort” that it was performed without prior communication.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente criticized the lack of transparency, saying he had never experienced such a situation, adding that matters of player health require mutual trust between club and country.
Despite pressure from some within the RFEF to retain Yamal in the squad, De la Fuente dismissed the idea, choosing instead to send him back to Barcelona for recovery.
Sources revealed that RFEF sporting director Aitor Karanka has since held talks with Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, to ease rising tensions. Both parties agreed to prioritise Yamal’s welfare and avoid further escalation.
Barcelona President Joan Laporta defended the club’s actions, explaining that team doctors acted swiftly after assessing the player and notifying Spain’s camp once the treatment plan was confirmed.
RFEF President Rafael Louzan echoed the need for collaboration, noting that both entities must “take care of the player first.”
Medical experts say Yamal’s condition, known as pubalgia, is common among young athletes and often caused by muscle imbalance in the groin and abdominal region. With rest and treatment, full recovery is possible — a path once taken by Lionel Messi, who battled a similar issue early in his career.
Both Barcelona and Spain are now seeking to repair their relationship as the young winger begins rehabilitation, with hopes he will return stronger for club and country.
