As Spain celebrated a place in the World Cup final, masked intruders tried to break into Lamine Yamal's Barcelona home, highlighting the growing security threats faced by football's biggest stars.
Two masked men allegedly tried to break into the Barcelona home of Spain forward Lamine Yamal early on Wednesday, just hours after he helped his country reach the FIFA World Cup final, police in Catalonia confirmed.
The attempted break-in took place at around 4 am at a house in Esplugues de Llobregat, a residential area on the outskirts of Barcelona. A spokesperson for the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force, told AFP that officers had received a report of an attempted burglary at the property. While police did not identify the homeowner due to privacy rules, Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia reported that the residence belongs to the 19-year-old football star.
According to the report, two individuals wearing balaclavas climbed the property's outer wall but were spotted by private security guards on duty. Their swift response startled the intruders, who fled before gaining entry. No injuries were reported, and nothing is believed to have been stolen.
The timing of the incident has drawn widespread attention, coming only hours after Yamal played a decisive role in Spain's 2-0 victory over France in the World Cup semi-final in Texas. He won a first-half penalty that teammate Mikel Oyarzabal converted to give Spain the lead. The victory booked La Roja's place in the World Cup final.
At the time of the attempted burglary, Yamal and the rest of the Spanish squad were still in the United States for the tournament, leaving his Barcelona home unoccupied but protected by private security.
The property is already well known in Spanish football circles. It previously belonged to former Gerard Piqué, who lived there with Colombian singer Shakira before the couple separated. The house recently returned to the spotlight after Yamal reportedly showcased it before departing for the World Cup.
This is not the first time a prominent Spanish footballer has faced such a security scare. Homes belonging to former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and Real Madrid players Rodrygo and Dani Carvajal have also been targeted in recent years. Burglaries involving footballers' homes, particularly when players are away on club or international duty, have become an increasing concern, prompting many to strengthen private security and surveillance measures.
Catalan police have launched an investigation and are working to identify the two suspects. Officers are also examining a separate attempted burglary reported in the same neighbourhood on the same night, although it is not yet known whether the incidents are connected.
Meanwhile, celebrations continued within the Spanish camp following the semi-final victory. The Spanish Football Federation shared a video on X showing players singing and dancing in the dressing room after the final whistle, marking a memorable night for the national team.
Spain will now turn its attention to the World Cup final. While the squad prepares for the biggest match of the tournament, the attempted burglary serves as a reminder of the growing security challenges faced by elite footballers, whose homes often become vulnerable when they are away representing their clubs or countries.
Two masked men allegedly tried to break into the Barcelona home of Spain forward Lamine Yamal early on Wednesday, just hours after he helped his country reach the FIFA World Cup final, police in Catalonia confirmed.
The attempted break-in took place at around 4 am at a house in Esplugues de Llobregat, a residential area on the outskirts of Barcelona. A spokesperson for the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force, told AFP that officers had received a report of an attempted burglary at the property. While police did not identify the homeowner due to privacy rules, Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia reported that the residence belongs to the 19-year-old football star.
According to the report, two individuals wearing balaclavas climbed the property's outer wall but were spotted by private security guards on duty. Their swift response startled the intruders, who fled before gaining entry. No injuries were reported, and nothing is believed to have been stolen.
The timing of the incident has drawn widespread attention, coming only hours after Yamal played a decisive role in Spain's 2-0 victory over France in the World Cup semi-final in Texas. He won a first-half penalty that teammate Mikel Oyarzabal converted to give Spain the lead. The victory booked La Roja's place in the World Cup final.
At the time of the attempted burglary, Yamal and the rest of the Spanish squad were still in the United States for the tournament, leaving his Barcelona home unoccupied but protected by private security.
The property is already well known in Spanish football circles. It previously belonged to former Gerard Piqué, who lived there with Colombian singer Shakira before the couple separated. The house recently returned to the spotlight after Yamal reportedly showcased it before departing for the World Cup.
This is not the first time a prominent Spanish footballer has faced such a security scare. Homes belonging to former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and Real Madrid players Rodrygo and Dani Carvajal have also been targeted in recent years. Burglaries involving footballers' homes, particularly when players are away on club or international duty, have become an increasing concern, prompting many to strengthen private security and surveillance measures.
Catalan police have launched an investigation and are working to identify the two suspects. Officers are also examining a separate attempted burglary reported in the same neighbourhood on the same night, although it is not yet known whether the incidents are connected.
Meanwhile, celebrations continued within the Spanish camp following the semi-final victory. The Spanish Football Federation shared a video on X showing players singing and dancing in the dressing room after the final whistle, marking a memorable night for the national team.
Spain will now turn its attention to the World Cup final. While the squad prepares for the biggest match of the tournament, the attempted burglary serves as a reminder of the growing security challenges faced by elite footballers, whose homes often become vulnerable when they are away representing their clubs or countries.
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