Four individuals have been arrested in connection with a knife attack on Mounir Nasraoui, the father of rising Spanish football star Lamine Yamal. The attack occurred on Wednesday evening in the Catalan town of Mataro, approximately 30 kilometers from Barcelona, in the Rocafonda neighborhood where Yamal grew up.
According to the Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police force, Nasraoui was stabbed multiple times in a car park at around 1910 GMT. He is currently receiving treatment at Can Ruti hospital. While AFP was unable to reach him for comment, a source close to the family confirmed that Nasraoui is now “out of danger” and remains in a “stable” condition under observation.
The source declined to provide further details regarding the events leading up to the attack or when Nasraoui might be released from the hospital.
Three suspects were apprehended on Wednesday night and are currently being questioned at the Mataro police station. A fourth suspect was taken into custody on Thursday morning. Investigators are expected to interview Nasraoui and witnesses as part of their efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Spanish newspaper *La Vanguardia* reported that the incident began with an argument between Nasraoui and several men who approached him while he was walking his dog. The men allegedly returned later to assault him.
Lamine Yamal, who made his debut for Barcelona at just 15 years old in April 2023, has quickly become a key player for the club. The 18-year-old winger played a pivotal role in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024, becoming the youngest player to participate in and score during the tournament. Despite his rising fame, Yamal remains connected to his roots, often celebrating goals with a ‘304’ gesture representing the postcode of his Rocafonda neighborhood, where his father and grandmother still reside.
Nasraoui gained attention during the European Championship for his active social media presence and frequent public displays of support for his son.
