JOrju Mendes has hit back at recent criticism of his client Lamine Yamal, who has been called into question in recent weeks for his media appearances and for his comments ahead of the Clásico against Real Madrid. The 18-year-old forward, considered one of Barcelona’s most promising talents, responded with a brilliant performance against Club Brugge, but the media buzz did not subside.
Mendes supports Yamal and asks for support for the player
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The Portugal international, who is known for managing Cristiano Ronaldo’s career, expressed surprise at the intensity of the criticism towards the Barcelona player. “I don’t understand the fuss surrounding Lamine Yamal. We are all 18 years old. What we have to do is support him and help him as much as possible, because he is a great asset to the club,” Mendes said.
The agent insisted that Yamal is fully focused on his career and that the player’s entourage is working to protect him from media pressure. “It’s a big responsibility to be watched by everyone. He’s coping very well and we have to continue to help him,” he added.
Barcelona trying to protect public image
From the club’s point of view, a message of calm was conveyed, but measures were also taken to limit the public appearances of young footballers to reduce the level of media exposure. Yamal himself took to social media to express his displeasure at what he described as “lies” about his actions off the pitch.
Despite his young age, the player became one of the most recognizable faces within the team and a role model for young fans. Barcelona are confident that his development will continue uninterrupted and that the winger’s talent will continue to shine on the pitch.
“Talk less and focus on work,” Mendes advises.
Mendes admitted that the episode before Clasico in which Yamal joked that Real Madrid would “steal the game” was a turning point. Since then, his agent and the club have insisted he maintain a more modest profile.
“Ramin knows what he has to do: don’t talk too much and concentrate on work. He’s a smart, hard-working kid,” Mendez said. “He has a small physical issue which we are resolving together with the club, but the most important thing is that he recovers and continues to contribute to the team.”
Emphasizing the player’s maturity and natural talent, the agent concluded: “In every game he leaves a masterpiece. The best thing Lamine can do is let his football speak for itself.”
