Spain is in shock after national team coach Luis de la Fuente made one of his most controversial decisions to date — dropping teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal from the latest squad list. The 17-year-old Barcelona winger, who has been hailed as the future of Spanish football, was surprisingly left out, with sources inside the camp claiming the decision came amid growing locker room tensions. De la Fuente was reportedly forced to choose between Yamal and veteran defender Dani Carvajal, fearing internal conflicts that could divide the squad.
In his press conference, De la Fuente explained his reasoning, citing “professionalism, experience, and team balance” as key factors behind the call. However, his statement only deepened the backlash. Barcelona fans and many in the Spanish media have accused him of favoring Real Madrid players and stifling young talent. The debate quickly spilled across social networks, where supporters demanded transparency and fairness in selection decisions.
Behind the scenes, reports suggest that certain senior players felt Yamal’s rapid rise and confidence were “too much too soon,” causing discomfort within the group. Yet others argue that dropping him could damage team morale and send the wrong message to Spain’s new generation. As tensions rise, one question echoes through Spanish football — has Luis de la Fuente just risked the unity of La Roja for the sake of short-term peace?
