On August 13, 2024, an incident involving Mounir Nasraoui, the father of rising soccer star Lamine Yamal, reportedly occurred in Mataro, Spain. According to local media, Nasraoui was allegedly stabbed in a parking lot in this northeastern Spanish town.
Initial reports from La Vanguardia newspaper, citing official sources, indicated that Nasraoui's condition was serious upon admission to Can Ruti hospital in nearby Badalona. However, a subsequent update from sports website Relevo suggested that Nasraoui had been discharged and returned home.
The Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's autonomous police force, and local authorities have reportedly located several witnesses to the incident. As of August 14, 2024, official confirmation from law enforcement or local government representatives was pending.
Lamine Yamal, a 17-year-old winger for Barcelona and the Spanish national team, has recently gained international recognition for his exceptional performances. Born on July 13, 2007, Yamal has already set numerous records in his budding career:
- Youngest player to debut for Barcelona's first team (April 2023, aged 15 years and 290 days)
- Youngest goalscorer in La Liga history (aged 16 years and 87 days)
- Youngest player to represent Spain's national team
Yamal's talent was prominently displayed during the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, where he contributed significantly to Spain's victory. In the semifinal match against France on July 9, 2024, the young prodigy scored a crucial goal, helping secure Spain's place in the final and ultimately their fourth European Championship title.
Mataro, where the incident allegedly took place, is a coastal city with a population of approximately 129,000. Known as the capital of the Maresme comarca in Catalonia, it has a rich industrial history, particularly in textiles, and has evolved into a popular tourist destination due to its beaches.
The reported stabbing occurred just a month after Spain's triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, casting a shadow over what has been a remarkable year for the Yamal family. As investigations continue, the soccer community and fans worldwide await further updates on this developing situation.
"We are deeply concerned about the reported incident involving Lamine Yamal's father and are in close contact with the family. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time, and we offer our full support to Lamine and his loved ones."
Lamine Yamal's rapid rise through Barcelona's renowned La Masia youth academy to becoming a key player for both his club and country at such a young age has captivated soccer enthusiasts globally. His multicultural background, with Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean heritage, reflects the diverse makeup of Mataro itself, described as a working-class, multi-ethnic suburb of Barcelona.
As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the personal challenges that can affect even the most promising young athletes and their families, regardless of their professional success.