Once defaced, the Superman-themed mural honoring Yamal’s 18th birthday is now a vibrant symbol of resilience and rising stardom.
August 5, 2025
By Coact Digital Sports Desk
In the winding, mural-lined alleys of Barcelona’s Vila de Gràcia, art often speaks before words do. And last month, it spoke in the form of Lamine Yamal—Barcelona’s youngest breakout football star—painted as Superman in a striking wall mural created by Italian street artist Salvatore Benintende, better known as TVBOY.
The artwork, unveiled just before Yamal’s 18th birthday, captured more than just a likeness—it captured a moment. Dressed in the iconic blue-and-red superhero suit, Yamal stood as a symbol of youth, talent, and promise. But within weeks, that image was partially covered. An anonymous act of defacement saw the addition of the Seven Dwarfs from Snow White, painted directly onto the mural—blending fairytale symbolism with a wave of real-world criticism.
At the center of the backlash was Yamal’s birthday celebration itself. Reports revealed that a group of individuals with dwarfism had been hired as part of the entertainment, prompting Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights to open an inquiry into potential violations of disability rights laws. Critics viewed the mural’s alteration as a protest. Supporters saw it as a distortion.
One performer who attended the party later stated, “We were proud to be invited. It was a professional and respectful experience where we felt valued.” The narrative, like the mural, had layers.
For days, AI-generated images of the vandalized mural circulated online—some real, some fake—adding confusion to the controversy. But on Monday, artist TVBOY returned to the wall and quietly restored his work to its original form, allowing the image of Yamal-as-Superman to re-emerge from behind the paint and press.
Meanwhile, Yamal continues to rise. Currently touring South Korea with FC Barcelona for their pre-season friendlies, he played the first half of a recent 5–0 victory over Daegu FC. Though he didn’t score, the match saw Marcus Rashford, now on loan from Manchester United, net his first goal for the club.
Back home, Yamal’s mural stands again—untouched, bold, and bathed in symbolism. No longer just a birthday tribute, it now carries the weight of public scrutiny, personal growth, and cultural commentary. For a player barely entering adulthood, it’s already a wall-sized legacy.
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