Spain’s World Cup qualifying campaign has taken an unexpected twist after Lamine Yamal was abruptly withdrawn from the national squad by Barcelona, prompting a confused and visibly frustrated response from head coach Luis de la Fuente.

The 18-year-old winger, one of Europe’s most electrifying young talents, was released just 48 hours before Spain’s double-header against Serbia and Northern Ireland, with Barcelona citing “precautionary medical reasons.” The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), however, was reportedly not informed in advance, sparking internal tension between club and country.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” De la Fuente told reporters at Spain’s Las Rozas training base. “There was no discussion, no coordination. One moment he’s training, the next he’s gone. It’s unprecedented.”

A Confusing Timeline

According to reports, Yamal completed Spain’s full training session on Monday before being informed later that evening that he would return to Catalonia. Barcelona issued a brief statement early Tuesday morning citing “muscular fatigue and risk management”, but RFEF officials have yet to confirm receiving formal medical documentation.

Spanish media outlets claim the national team’s medical staff had cleared Yamal as “fit to play,” adding to the confusion around the decision. Sources close to the federation described Barcelona’s handling as “unilateral,” suggesting growing friction between the club and national setup over player workload.

“We were told after the fact,” one RFEF official told Marca. “The communication process was irregular, to say the least.”

Barcelona’s Perspective

Barcelona maintain that the withdrawal was based purely on player welfare, insisting that Yamal has been managing persistent muscle tightness since last weekend’s La Liga clash with Real Betis, in which he played 82 minutes.

Club doctors reportedly expressed concern that the teenager’s match load and training intensity with the national team could aggravate the issue, especially with a crucial Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich next week.

“It’s simple — we’re protecting our player,” said a senior figure within Barcelona’s medical department, speaking anonymously. “He’s 18 years old and has played more minutes than anyone his age in Europe this season. Rest is part of development.”

Still, the decision has reignited a long-standing debate in Spain over club control versus international duty, a delicate balance often tested when it comes to emerging stars.

De la Fuente’s Reaction and Dressing Room Impact

Luis de la Fuente, who guided Spain to the Euro 2024 title, is known for his calm demeanor, but insiders say he was visibly frustrated in private meetings with federation officials. The coach reportedly described Barcelona’s move as “disrespectful” and questioned whether the club was prioritizing its own schedule over national interests.

“We all want the best for Lamine,” De la Fuente said later, softening his tone. “But communication is the foundation of trust. Without it, we can’t plan or protect the player effectively.”

Sources inside the camp told Goal that several senior players, including Rodri and Álvaro Morata, were surprised by how quickly the situation unfolded. Yamal’s departure has also disrupted tactical preparations, as the youngster was expected to start on the right wing in Spain’s opening qualifier against Serbia.

The Bigger Picture

This episode underscores Yamal’s growing influence and pressure at both club and international level. Since breaking into Barcelona’s first team at 16, he has become indispensable to both Xavi Hernández and Spain, recording 9 goals and 14 assists across all competitions this season.

However, experts warn that the rapid pace of his rise — combined with his relentless schedule — increases the risk of overexertion.

“Yamal is not just a player, he’s a national asset,” said Guillem Balagué, Spanish football journalist. “But Spain and Barcelona need to learn how to share him responsibly — or risk burning him out.”

The Takeaway

Yamal’s surprise withdrawal highlights the fragile balance between player protection and national pride, a dynamic that continues to test relationships between Spain’s top clubs and the federation.

For now, the country’s most gifted teenager is back in Barcelona, but the conversation around how to manage his future — both physically and politically — is only getting louder.

“He’s special,” De la Fuente said. “But even the special ones need space to breathe.”