Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has firmly denied claims that he attempted to meet with adult film actress Claudia Bavel, as speculation mounts over the relationship between the 17-year-old and the 29-year-old model. Yamal, who has quickly risen to prominence for his impressive performances for both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, has been enjoying time off during the off-season.

A Spanish television show TardeAR aired off-the-record footage featuring a private conversation with Yamal, in which he dismissed the idea of meeting Bavel, stating he was “not interested” in speaking with her. Show reporter Alex Álvarez added that there were rumors Bavel had planned to hire a photographer and sell images of a potential meetup. Yamal, however, reportedly said such a plan was impossible, as he lives with his mother and is not permitted to invite unfamiliar individuals into their home.

Claudia Bavel later took to social media to respond, telling her 259,000 followers that she initially chose not to speak publicly about the matter in 2025. “Since Lamine Yamal addressed our supposed connection on TardeAR, I feel it's necessary to present my version—truthfully and respectfully,” she wrote. According to Bavel, Yamal reached out to her and repeatedly asked to meet. She denied his claims that they never crossed paths, insisting they had seen each other at social events. “I have never had any kind of relationship with a minor, nor have I arranged any meetings. There was never any plan to gain fame or profit from this,” she added.

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She emphasised that while no meeting actually occurred, the public attention has spiraled out of control. “Behind the headlines are real people. I ask for empathy and discretion.” During her appearance on TardeAR, Bavel further stated she decided not to meet Yamal due to his age. She also claimed to possess voice messages from Yamal suggesting they could spend time together despite the legal and ethical concerns.

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She alleged that she had ceased communication with Yamal some time ago, but recently received a message from him warning her not to speak publicly about their exchanges. “He’ll probably say ‘she didn’t want to meet because I’m a minor,’ but in reality, I was the one who ended things,” Yamal was reportedly heard saying in a behind-the-scenes segment. Bavel has been involved in previous controversies, including a public spat with former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

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The teenager is currently in Rio de Janeiro alongside Brazilian star Neymar and was recently seen vacationing with Spanish influencer Fati Vazquez, who is 12 years his senior. The controversy began when images of Yamal with OnlyFans model Fati Vazquez surfaced online The Spanish magazine Lecturas published vacation photos of Yamal and Vazquez together on a jet ski in Sicily.

Although the two shared photos from the same picturesque locations, including poolside lounging and a helicopter tour, Yamal has denied that there is a romantic relationship. Speaking to entertainment journalist Javi de Hoyos, Yamal insisted there is “nothing going on” between him and Vazquez. “He didn’t go on that trip alone,” De Hoyos said, “He was accompanied by other Barça teammates.”

Vazquez has also addressed the backlash, particularly criticism of the age gap. She clarified that she is 29, not 30 as previously reported, and has been subjected to harsh online abuse. “I’ve received death threats and have been accused of things that aren’t true,” she told Spanish show La Familia de la Tele. “We’re just two people enjoying ourselves. There’s no need to sensationalize it.” On Instagram, Vazquez appeared unfazed by the criticism, posting a photo of herself relaxing in a pool with the caption: “Imagine talking bad about me and I’m over here like this.”