A recent study by the Spanish Observatory of Racism and Xenophobia (Oberaxe) finds that Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal receives more online racial abuse than all other La Liga players combined.
Using an AI tool called FARO to scan social media, researchers recorded 33,438 incidents of reportable racist content last season. The study shows Yamal was the target of about 60% of those s. Vinicius Junior was the second most ed player, receiving roughly 29% of the abuse. Together, the two players account for nearly 90% of the recorded racial insults. Other named targets include Kylian Mbappé, Alejandro Balde, Brahim Díaz, and Inaki Williams.
The report also breaks down targets by club. Players from Real Madrid and Barcelona were the most affected, at about 34% and 32% respectively. Other clubs named were Real Valladolid (17%), Valencia (8%), Athletic Club (6%), Real Sociedad (5%), and Atlético Madrid (5%).
Oberaxe tested how social platforms handle reports of racial abuse. Facebook removed around 62% of flagged content, making it the most active in takedowns. Twitter/X performed the worst, removing just about 10% of reported posts.
Racism in Spanish football has risen both in stadiums and online in recent years. High profile incidents, such as s on Yamal at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2024, have increased public attention. While La Liga has pushed measures to curb racism in stadiums, critics say punishments are still inconsistent and not strong enough to deter offenders.
The study adds fresh evidence that online abuse remains a major problem for a few visible players and calls for better moderation and firmer sanctions to protect those targeted.
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Interesting article. Do you think stricter penalties for online racial abuse could help combat this issue in La Liga? #StopRacism
Wow, this study is eye-opening! Its crucial to address online racial s in football. What steps can be taken to combat this issue?
I dont understand how people can still be so ignorant in this day and age. Its just sad.
I cant believe the audacity of those online ers targeting Lamine Yamal. We need to speak up against this unacceptable behavior!
I find it hard to believe that Lamine Yamal is targeted in most racial s in La Liga. Need more info!
Cant believe the hate Lamine Yamal gets online. People need to grow up and stop these racist s. Its disgusting.
I cant believe people still target players based on their race online. Its 2021, when will this ignorance end?