Yamal flew commercial: Hoodie and mask didn't help
Barcelona's star returned from vacation in Colombia, but his attempt to go unnoticed in business class didn't last long. The new season and a bid for a third consecutive La Liga title await him.
Barcelona's star returned from vacation in Colombia, but his attempt to go unnoticed in business class didn't last long. The new season and a bid for a third consecutive La Liga title await him.
Lamine Yamal, the 19-year-old Barcelona and Spain national team star, returned from his vacation in Colombia in a way not often seen from a footballer of his caliber. Instead of a private jet, he chose to fly on a regular commercial flight, and to avoid attention, he used a hoodie and a sleep mask. His attempt to remain anonymous didn't last long.
In photos Yamal himself posted on Instagram on August 8, 2026, he is seen sitting on the plane with his hood pulled over his head and a sleep mask covering most of his face. However, other passengers quickly realized who was in business class. They started turning toward his seat and snapping photos with their phones, quickly turning the plan for a low-key flight into another viral moment on social media.
Before returning to Europe, Yamal spent a few days in Colombia. He visited Medellín, where on Thursday, August 6, 2026, he appeared on stage alongside popular Colombian reggaeton artist Ryan Castro during an open-air concert. Footage of their time together quickly spread across social media, and the young footballer also shared photos from Colombia on his Instagram profile.
Yamal is now back in Spain and will join Barcelona's training sessions ahead of the new season. The Catalan club plays a friendly against Basel on August 16, 2026, followed three days later by the traditional Joan Gamper Trophy against Al Ahly. Barcelona's first league match of the new La Liga season is away at Elche on August 23, 2026, marking the start of their quest for a third consecutive Spanish league title. Yamal had an extended break after winning the World Cup with Spain.
