Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, fresh off signing as Oppo’s global brand ambassador in January 2025, has sparked buzz—and potential drama—with a recent YouTube video that appears to show him using rival Apple products. The 18-year-old star, celebrated for his on-pitch magic, launched his channel with a casual house tour that quickly went viral, but eagle-eyed fans spotted what could be an iPhone in use and proudly displayed Beats headphones—Apple’s premium audio brand.

Yamal’s multi-million deal with Oppo positions him front and center for the Chinese giant’s “Make Your Moment” campaign, promoting flagships like the Find X8 Pro and Reno series. Official ads feature him beaming with engraved Oppo devices, channeling youthful energy alongside UEFA Champions League ties. The partnership seemed perfect: a rising global icon endorsing cutting-edge tech to inspire Gen Z.

But in his debut YouTube video—a relaxed tour of his luxurious new home—Yamal showcases personal items including gold Beats headphones and what viewers claim is an iPhone setup. He also highlights a DJ station and signed memorabilia, but the Apple sightings stood out sharply against his Oppo obligations. Brand ambassador contracts typically include exclusivity clauses barring public use or endorsement of competitors, especially direct rivals like Apple.

Rumors swirling in football and tech circles suggest Oppo executives are reviewing the footage, weighing options from a quiet reminder to contract termination for image clause violations. Similar scandals have hit before: celebrities like Gal Gadot faced backlash for tweeting from iPhones while repping Huawei. While no official statement from Oppo has emerged, insiders hint at internal discussions to protect the brand’s investment in Yamal’s wholesome, authentic image.

At just 18, Yamal’s off-field moves are under intense scrutiny amid his meteoric rise—Euro 2024 heroics, Barcelona stardom, and growing endorsement portfolio (including Beats by Dre campaigns earlier this year). This slip-up highlights the tightrope young stars walk in the influencer era: one casual video can ignite sponsorship storms.

As fans debate whether it’s a harmless teen oversight or a costly mistake, Yamal continues dazzling on the pitch. But this incident serves as a reminder—even prodigies aren’t immune to brand blunders. Will Oppo forgive and forget, or demand stricter loyalty? The football-tech crossover just got a lot more interesting.