Lamine Yamal's World Cup goal fuels debate on creativity and xenophobic backlash

Spain teenager Lamine Yamal scored his first World Cup goal in the 4‑0 win over Saudi Arabia and celebrated by interlacing his hands to form the number “304”, the postal code of Rocafonda, a Barcelona suburb with a large immigrant population. The gesture prompted condemnation from far‑right party VOX, which labeled the neighbourhood's residents as “scum”, and led to a physical confrontation between VOX members and Yamal’s father.

In a separate interview, Yamal lamented the loss of spontaneity in modern football, naming Neymar among the players he most enjoys watching. He criticised youth academies for over‑coaching tactics from a very young age and praised street football for fostering imagination. He also expressed hope for a return to more creative play ahead of Spain's next World Cup match.