Spain’s final match before their 2026 World Cup journey descended into a regrettable spectacle, overshadowed by Islamophobic chants emanating from the RCDE Stadium crowd. What should have been a celebratory send-off for La Roja, one of the tournament favorites, was instead marred by prejudiced shouts.
The offensive chants, specifically a chorus of ‘Who doesn’t jump is a Muslim’, were heard on multiple occasions throughout the game. The incidents quickly drew sharp criticism from Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, following the match. Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Rafael Louzan also condemned the behavior, though he controversially referred to it as an “isolated incident.”
Lamine Yamal’s Reaction to the Islamophobic Chants
The situation took a particularly poignant turn given that Lamine Yamal, one of Spain’s most promising talents, is Muslim. During the second half, camera shots captured the teenage star looking visibly desolate on the bench, a sentiment that was also apparent during his time on the pitch in the first half.
As Spain’s players made their customary farewell lap to acknowledge the fans before departing for the World Cup, Lamine Yamal chose a different path. He exited the pitch alone, heading straight for the dressing room, a stark contrast to his teammates’ participation.
Impact and Condemnation
Reports from Cadena SER further highlighted Yamal’s distress, detailing his departure from the stadium through a concealed exit, accompanied by security personnel. The 18-year-old appeared profoundly disconsolate by the events during the match. While Yamal has previously faced racist persecution, notably at the Santiago Bernabeu, this incident is particularly disheartening as the prejudice originated from his own national team’s fanbase.
Midfielder Pedri also publicly denounced the chants after the match, emphasizing the collective responsibility to eradicate such behavior from football stadiums. “We do not condone any racist chants; we dislike them and do not support them in any way,” Pedri stated. “We all need to work together to eradicate them from football stadiums.”
