BREAKING: Ahead of the Nations League finals, Bruno Fernandes has sent a request to FIFA asking them to investigate Yamal’s “age-challenging” job with Spain after the 18-year-old winger had a stellar performance against France.

In an extraordinary development just days before the highly anticipated UEFA Nations League final, Bruno Fernandes has sparked controversy by formally requesting that FIFA investigate Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal’s age. The Portuguese midfielder reportedly submitted the appeal after being left stunned by the teenager’s remarkable performance in Spain’s thrilling 5–4 semifinal win over France.

According to reports from sources close to the Portuguese national team camp, Fernandes was visibly perplexed by Yamal’s dazzling display — which included a goal, two assists, and a commanding presence that defied his tender years. The Barcelona winger, officially listed as 18 years old, delivered a man-of-the-match performance that left defenders bewildered and fans breathless.

Fernandes is said to have expressed concerns behind closed doors, telling teammates that Yamal’s composure, maturity, and football IQ seemed “age-challenging.” He reportedly went further, suggesting that FIFA should take a closer look at the youngster’s documentation to ensure the integrity of international football is upheld.

“It’s not about doubting talent,” Fernandes allegedly said. “It’s about ensuring transparency and fairness. We’ve seen situations in the past where questions about age came up, and they weren’t properly addressed.”

The midfielder’s comments have lit a fuse ahead of a tense Iberian clash between Portugal and Spain in the Nations League final. FIFA has not yet made any public statement confirming receipt of the complaint, but the rumors have already taken on a life of their own across the footballing world.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) wasted no time in responding to the allegations. In a stern and swift rebuke, the RFEF labeled Fernandes’s concerns as “ridiculous” and “deeply disrespectful.” A spokesperson for the federation called the accusations “an insult to the player, his family, and the entire Spanish footballing community.”

“Lamine Yamal’s identity and documents have been certified and verified by FIFA and UEFA at every level,” the RFEF stated. “To question his legitimacy now, just because he outperformed expectations, is not only unfair — it’s outrageous.”

Online, the football community erupted into a frenzy. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok saw hashtags such as #LeaveYamalAlone, #Yamal18, and #BrunoJealous trend within hours. While some backed Fernandes’s call for transparency, the overwhelming majority of fans and pundits condemned his actions as poor sportsmanship and an act of desperation.

Many commentators accused Fernandes of envy or frustration, especially after his own lackluster showing in Portugal’s semifinal win. Others suggested there could be undertones of racial bias in questioning the legitimacy of a young player of Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean descent.

Yamal, who made his professional debut for Barcelona at just 15 and has broken several age-related records since, has never before had his age called into question — until now. The winger has played in youth-level competitions, La Liga, and international matches under constant regulatory scrutiny.

Despite the swirl of controversy, the young winger appears unfazed. Sources within the Spanish camp say Yamal has remained focused on the final, using the backlash as added motivation. “He’s more determined than ever,” one coach reportedly said. “He wants to respond on the pitch.”

Spain’s head coach, meanwhile, brushed off the noise, praising Yamal for his maturity and work ethic. “This is the price you pay for brilliance,” he said. “Lamine is a generational talent — and the world is just beginning to see that.”

The situation has also drawn comparisons to past age-related controversies in international football, particularly involving youth tournaments in Africa and Asia. However, most experts agree that Yamal’s case is drastically different, given the level of vetting players go through in elite European systems.

With the final just around the corner, this new drama adds an unexpected twist to what was already a highly anticipated fixture. The match between Spain and Portugal will not only be a battle for silverware but now also a symbolic duel in defense of a player’s credibility and dignity.

Should Yamal rise to the occasion once again, it could mark a defining moment in his young career — a statement not just of skill, but of resilience in the face of doubt. If he underperforms, critics might use it to justify Fernandes’s suspicions.

But for now, the court of public opinion appears to have made up its mind. Yamal is being hailed as a rising icon and a victim of unfounded scrutiny, while Bruno Fernandes is being criticized for what many see as an attempt to shift focus away from Portugal’s own challenges.

The final is set to be electric — not only because of the football, but because of the narrative that now surrounds it. Two neighbors, two proud footballing nations, and one young star at the center of a storm.

Will Yamal let the noise get to him? Or will he once again silence the doubters with his feet? Either way, all eyes will be on him when the final whistle blows.

This story is still unfolding, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.