TV pundit defends Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal from summer party criticism

Cristóbal Soria, a famous TV pundit from El Chiringuito, spoke on The Wild Project podcast about Lamine Yamal’s much-discussed summer parties. He dismissed the idea that the teenager’s progress at Barcelona could be derailed, stressing that the club has the right professionals in place to guide him.

“I am sure Barça has the right people around Lamine,” Soria said. He also expressed faith in the player’s inner circle, adding, “I am convinced that his entourage will know how to keep him grounded and focused.”

Soria admitted there is always a risk of distraction, especially after Yamal’s widely noted birthday celebration, yet he viewed it as part of normal life for a young athlete.

“I think it is nothing more than what any kid would do. He trains, he takes care of himself, he lives for football, but a few days a year he wants to celebrate. That seems perfectly fine to me,” he explained.

He also addressed the backlash over images of Yamal supposedly putting on a crown during goals celebrations, which forced Spain coach Luis de la Fuente to defend the player. The Spain boss said that to him, Yamal was putting on a magician’s top hat, and that it suited him.

According to Soria, “We are used to highlighting the most frivolous things, but what really matters is that this boy works harder than anyone.”

The commentator praised Yamal’s dedication, pointing out that he trains six hours a day and adds extra gym work and recovery routines. He concluded by reminding critics that the forward’s achievements come from what he delivers on the pitch, not from his private celebrations. “The important thing is his performance, not whether he throws a party,” Soria said.

Soria is known for being a fan of Sevilla FC but with a soft spot for FC Barcelona at times. El Chiringuito is one of the biggest sports shows in Spain, praised for being entertaining but also criticized for being unserious and over-the-top.