FC Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is distressed over the impending departures of three close team-mates rather than World Cup frustration or Ballon d'Or concerns, according to Spanish television pundit Jota Jordi.
The 19-year-old winger sparked concern among supporters after showing visible unhappiness on the bench when he was substituted in the 65th minute of Barcelona's season-opening La Liga victory against Elche CF at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.
German manager Hansi Flick took off Yamal in the second half while holding a two-goal lead, aiming to rest the young star after he was among the last players to join squad training following his involvement in the World Cup. Barcelona completed a comfortable victory on the day, highlighted by a dominant performance from captain Raphinha alongside impressive debuts for new signings Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon.
Yamal, who was raised in the Rocafonda neighborhood of Mataró, emerged as one of world football's top talents after progressing through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy. Barcelona, competing in Spain's top flight La Liga, entered the new campaign under the leadership of Flick as head coach.
However, Yamal's unhappy reaction upon being replaced drew criticism from former Barcelona player José María Bakero during a discussion on Spanish sports radio program Carrusel Deportivo.
Bakero said he did not accept players showing such selfish behavior, describing any protest over a substitution as a lack of respect toward fellow players and the coaching staff. He added that while emotional outbursts might be understandable in a high-stakes Copa del Rey or UEFA Champions League final, a player who missed pre-season due to World Cup commitments should respect their manager and team-mates during the first league match of the season.
As Yamal's somber disposition persisted in subsequent days, media speculation intensified over his state of mind. Commentary suggested that the teenager might be suffering from a drop in form, lingering disappointment over his World Cup performance, or dismay at perceiving himself out of contention for the Ballon d'Or, football's premier annual individual award.
Friendship exits behind winger's mood
Football analyst Jota Jordi addressed those rumors during an appearance on the Spanish sports television show El Chiringuito de Jugones, declaring that the underlying cause of Yamal's distress was entirely personal.
Jota Jordi stated that Yamal's unhappiness was triggered by the departures of Alejandro Balde, Marc Casadó, and Héctor Fort. He explained that the trio had been Yamal's three best friends for ten years, emphasizing that no other factors were responsible for his mood.
Balde, a left-back, midfielder Casadó, and defender Fort all developed alongside Yamal through Barcelona's youth ranks. La Masia is renowned for nurturing home-grown talent and fostering strong personal bonds among squad members who grow up together within the club's academy system.
According to Jota Jordi, the situation regarding Balde developed just 24 hours before the opening match against Elche, while Casadó was also departing through the back door alongside ongoing developments involving Fort.
Jota Jordi added that Yamal considers the three players to be his brothers and feels deeply disappointed that three dedicated Barcelona figures will miss out on what he expects to be a highly successful season for the club.
