Football prodigy Lamine Yamal denies rumors of flirting with 29-year-old former adult film star

Lamine Yamal is said to have flirted with former adult film star Claudia Bavel through text messages. Photos by Instagram/@lamineyamal, @imclaudiabavel

The 17-year-old forward was indirectly featured on the Spanish talk show "TardeAR" on June 20, when it aired a conversation in which Yamal reportedly dismissed the rumors, saying he was "not interested" in Bavel and never met her.

When informed by reporter Alex Alvarez that Bavel was allegedly planning to hire a photographer and sell photos of a supposed meeting between them, Yamal rejected the claim, stating that it is impossible because he lives with his mother, who does not allow unfamiliar visitors.

In response, Bavel took to social media to tell her side of the story. The 29-year-old influencer, who has 259,000 followers, shared that she had no intention of going public but felt compelled to speak after Yamal mentioned her on national television.

"He claims to live with his mother, but in reality lives alone," Bavel said. "He says he rejected me, when he was the one who sought my contact and insisted on meeting. He denies we've met, despite crossing paths at several social events."

She also urged the public to stop sending her abusive messages.

"I respectfully ask that offensive and defamatory messages stop. I have NEVER had any relationship with a minor, never arranged a meeting, and there was never any plan involving fame or money."

Bavel later appeared on "TardeAR" on June 21, reiterating that she declined to meet Yamal because he is a minor. She also claimed to keep a voice recording in which Yamal allegedly suggested they could spend time together despite the age gap. She said they had since ceased contact, but alleged that Yamal recently threatened her to keep their private conversations confidential.

The controversy comes days after Lecturas published photos of Yamal vacationing in Pantelleria, southern Sicily, with 29-year-old influencer Fati Vazquez. The two were seen jet skiing and relaxing by the pool, sparking dating rumors.

Both Yamal and Vazquez later denied being in a relationship. The teenage star said he was on holiday with several Barcelona teammates, not alone with Vazquez, who claimed to have received death threats following the publication of the photos.

"I'm getting really pissed off, people are even wishing me dead because of it," Vazquez told Spanish TV show "La familia de la tele".

"First, I'm 29, I haven't made it to the thirties yet. I haven't done anything, haven't killed anyone. The reactions are just too heavy and it's even affecting him. We're just two people who want to have a good time, and that's it.'"

Yamal is currently in Brazil on vacation, where he was recently spotted with his idol, Brazilian star forward Neymar. The Spanish international has just completed a standout season with Barcelona, winning La Liga, Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey. He scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists in 55 matches, making him a contender for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.