Rio Ferdinand Praises Lamine Yamal for Speaking Out Against Anti-Muslim Chants
“He makes me love football again” - Rio Ferdinand reacts to Barcelona ace Lamine Yamal calling out anti-Muslim chants by Spain fans
Sportskeeda
Image: Sportskeeda
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand commended Barcelona's Lamine Yamal for addressing anti-Muslim chants from Spanish fans during a recent match. Yamal, an 18-year-old practicing Muslim, voiced his concerns after experiencing disrespectful chants during a friendly against Egypt, highlighting the need for change in football culture.
- 01Lamine Yamal called out anti-Muslim chants during a friendly match against Egypt.
- 02Rio Ferdinand praised Yamal for his courage and maturity at just 18 years old.
- 03Yamal has had a standout season with Barcelona, contributing 21 goals and 16 assists in 41 matches.
- 04Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente condemned the racist remarks, emphasizing their intolerance.
- 05Yamal is set to play in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, an 18-year-old practicing Muslim, has received praise from Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand for his brave stand against anti-Muslim chants heard during a recent friendly match against Egypt. Yamal highlighted the disrespectful nature of the chants, stating, 'I'm a Muslim. Yesterday, at the stadium, the chant 'the one who doesn't jump is the Muslim' was heard.' Ferdinand lauded him for using his platform to address such issues, noting that Yamal is not just a footballer but a voice for change. Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, also condemned the xenophobic remarks, calling them intolerable. Yamal has had an impressive season with Barcelona, contributing 21 goals and 16 assists in 41 games. He currently ranks third in La Liga's goalscoring charts with 14 goals and leads in assists with nine. He is expected to feature in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Yamal's stand against racism could inspire other players to speak out against discrimination in sports, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think athletes should speak out against racism and discrimination?
Connecting to poll...
More about Barcelona
Expectativa para o confronto entre Sporting e Arsenal na Liga dos Campeões
Noticiasaominuto • Apr 7, 2026
Lucas Perri brilha e João Cancelo em destaque na imprensa esportiva
Noticiasaominuto • Apr 6, 2026
Bernardo Silva Set to Depart Manchester City This Summer, Says Pep Lijnders
The Guardian • Apr 6, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.