Lamine Yamal is on fire in the football world—lighting it up for both Barcelona and Spain at just 17 years old.
But while his talent on the pitch is earning headlines, his off-season personal life is also making waves, and not in the way he might’ve hoped.
What started as innocent vacation snaps has now spiraled into a media circus involving age-gap rumors, social media influencers, and an adult film star speaking out on national TV.
From Football Fame to Social Media Frenzy
Yamal recently spent time relaxing in Brazil with his idol Neymar, and was also spotted on holiday with 29-year-old flight attendant and influencer Fati Vázquez in Sicily.
The two posted similar holiday snaps—jet-ski rides, poolside relaxation, even a helicopter trip—which set off a whirlwind of gossip.
Spanish magazine Lecturas described them as having “obvious chemistry,” though they stopped short of confirming a relationship.
However, Yamal quickly shut down rumors of romance, telling TV journalist Javi de Hoyos there’s “nothing going on” between him and Vázquez, and that he wasn’t vacationing alone—he was with some Barça teammates too.
Vázquez Pushes Back After Harsh Backlash
The backlash Vázquez faced was intense.
She clarified that she’s 29 (not 30, as some claimed), and said she’s been receiving death threats and vile accusations online.
In an emotional appearance on La familia de la tele, she said:
“I’m getting really pissed off…
People are wishing me dead, calling me a paedophile.
I haven’t done anything wrong—we’re just two people trying to have a good time.”
Vázquez later doubled down on Instagram, posting a poolside photo with the cheeky caption: “Imagine talking bad about me and I’m over here like this.”
Adult Film Star Claudia Bavel Sets the Record Straight
Just as the Vázquez drama was cooling down, another name entered the spotlight: Claudia Bavel, an adult content creator.
Rumors started swirling that Yamal had tried to arrange a meetup with her, which he denied during an off-air conversation aired by Spanish TV show TardeAR.
He claimed he wasn’t interested and that it would’ve been impossible anyway because he lives with his mother, who doesn’t allow unknown visitors.
However, Bavel quickly clapped back—first on Instagram to her 259,000 followers, then live on TardeAR. She said:
“He says he rejected me, but he was the one who contacted me first and insisted on meeting.
He also claims we’ve never met, yet we’ve crossed paths at several social events.”
She added that Yamal doesn’t live with his mom, and even alleged that he had once threatened her to stay silent about their private conversations.
Bavel also claimed to have voice notes from him suggesting they could hang out despite their age difference.
“We Never Met—And That’s the Only Thing We Agree On”
Despite all the accusations flying, both Yamal and Bavel agree on one thing: they never actually met.
Bavel emphasized that there was no relationship, no photo setup, and no attempt to gain fame from the situation.
Still, she said the hate messages and defamation have gone too far.
On the show, she also reiterated that she chose not to meet him because he’s a minor.
She distanced herself from the situation and urged people to remember there are real humans behind the tabloid noise.
A Cautionary Moment for a Teen Star
This isn’t the first time public interest in a rising football star has blurred the lines between curiosity and obsession.
Yamal may just be trying to enjoy a well-earned break, but with fame comes scrutiny—and at 17, navigating that level of attention is no easy task.
As for what’s next? Both women have said their piece.
Yamal insists there’s no truth to any of the allegations and is focused on his career.
Whether this off-pitch drama fades or sparks further controversy remains to be seen.