Kylian Mbappe has come to the defence of teenager Lamine Yamal, urging the Barcelona star’s critics to “leave him alone”.
Eighteen-year-old Yamal has enjoyed a strong start to the season, scoring twice and providing three assists in four LaLiga matches, though a groin injury has limited his minutes in recent weeks.
The winger, who won his second consecutive Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony last month, has been ruled out of Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria.
His recent fitness issues have sparked a row between Barca and the Spain national team, while Yamal’s private life has also faced scrutiny over the past year.