Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Lamine Yamal is old enough to make his own decisions after he waved a Palestinian flag during the open-top bus parade as the team celebrated LaLiga victory.

The 18-year-old winger, who is already widely considered one of the best soccer players in the world, held the flag as the team bus drove through the streets of Barcelona on Monday, May 11, 2026, local time. Yamal, who is Muslim, also posted a photo of himself holding the flag on his Instagram account.

During a press conference on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, local time, Flick was asked about Yamal’s decision, whose father is Moroccan, to wave the flag.

“This is usually not what I like. I spoke to him. I said if he wants this, it’s his decision. He’s old enough. He’s 18,” said Flick.

Flick further said that celebrating with the fans after winning the title in a row was his priority.

“We play football and you can see what people expect from us. We play football to make people happy. For me, this is the first thing we have to do,” said Flick.

According to local authorities, nearly 750,000 people are expected to take to the streets to enjoy the parade.

Meanwhile, there has been a global reaction to Israel over the humanitarian impact of the war in Gaza, which has spread to sports and culture. Protests are seen in football, cycling, and basketball.

Spain is one of five countries boycotting this year’s Eurovision Song Contest to protest Israel’s participation.

Spain international Yamal is one of the leading candidates to replace Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest football stars.

Yamal, who did not play for Barcelona in their victory over Real Madrid due to injury, is expected to be one of the top players at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in June and July.

Spain will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde, before continuing Group H matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

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