In a stunning twist just days ahead of the Nations League final, Portugal star Bruno Fernandes has reportedly submitted an official request to FIFA, urging the governing body to investigate Lamine Yamal’s age following the Spanish winger’s jaw-dropping display in Spain’s 5-4 semifinal victory over France.
According to sources close to the Portuguese camp, Fernandes was “baffled” by Yamal’s physicality, vision, and composure — qualities the 18-year-old displayed with shocking maturity as he tore through one of Europe’s most experienced backlines.
Fernandes is said to have described Yamal’s performance as “age-challenging,” suggesting that the Barcelona wonderkid may be older than officially stated.
“It’s not about doubting talent,” Fernandes reportedly said in private to teammates. “It’s about ensuring integrity. We’ve seen cases before.”
While FIFA has yet to publicly confirm receiving the request, the report has already sparked controversy across international football, with many viewing Fernandes’s concerns as disrespectful — even conspiratorial — toward a rising star whose brilliance has taken Europe by storm.
Spain Responds Swiftly
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) wasted no time in defending their young prodigy. In a short but sharp statement, a spokesperson for the RFEF dismissed the claim as “laughable” and “an insult to the player, his family, and Spanish football.”
“Lamine Yamal’s documents are fully verified and FIFA-certified. These kinds of baseless allegations do more harm to the game than good,” the statement read.
Social Media in Uproar
The football community online is ablaze with reactions. While some fans from Portugal and rival nations support Fernandes’s call for transparency, most responses have slammed the Manchester United midfielder, accusing him of poor sportsmanship, jealousy, or even subtle racial undertones.
Hashtags like #LeaveYamalAlone, #BrunoOutOfLine, and #Yamal18 are now trending worldwide, with many pointing out that Yamal has been in the spotlight for years, having debuted in La Liga with Barcelona at just 15.
A New Distraction Before the Final
As Portugal prepares to face Spain in a blockbuster Nations League final, this controversy adds an unexpected layer of tension between the two Iberian rivals. Whether Fernandes’s request will lead to any formal action remains to be seen — but what’s certain is that Lamine Yamal will be under an even brighter spotlight in the final.
One thing’s for sure: if the 18-year-old delivers another jaw-dropping performance, no amount of suspicion will dim his rise to football superstardom.
This story is developing. More updates to follow.
