As Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal prepares to celebrate his 18th birthday on Sunday, July 13, the streets of Catalonia have welcomed a striking tribute to the young footballer. Renowned urban artist TVBoy, known for his graffiti portraits of iconic figures like Lionel Messi, Alexia Putellas, and singer Rosalía, has now turned his attention to Yamal, casting him in the light of a superhero.
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Yamal turning 18 on SundaySpecial mural unveiled in BarcelonaWill report to Barcelona pre-season on the same dayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The mural, unveiled on Escorial Street in the heart of Barcelona’s Gracia neighbourhood, features Yamal in a reimagined Superman outfit. Instead of the traditional ‘S’ on the chest, the emblem bears a bold ‘L’, a nod to the young striker’s first name. Accompanying the powerful image is the inspiring message: “When the will is strong, obstacles are small. Super Lamine.”
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This is not the first time TVBoy has shone the spotlight on Yamal. During the summer of 2023, the muralist created a piece featuring Yamal alongside Spanish teammate and close friend Nico Williams. That artwork was designed to foster respect and acceptance for young talents of diverse backgrounds, reinforcing a recurring theme in TVBoy’s work, social justice through urban art.
WHAT TVBOY SAID
TVBoy’s interpretation goes far beyond mere artistic admiration. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the Italian street artist shared his motivation behind the mural, highlighting Yamal as more than a footballer.
"He's a very young boy who has achieved many things, but he also represents a new Spain, made up of children of immigrants," he said. "He not only represents youth, but a more inclusive youth. He was born here, like many other children of people who have come to the country to work. It's also a message against racism."