Mounir Nasraoui right with Spanish football star Lamine Yamal
The father of 17-year-old Spanish football star Lamine Yamal has reportedly been stabbed multiple times in a car park.
According to reports in Spanish media, Mounir Nasraoui was attacked in the coastal town of Mataró, north of Barcelona, on Wednesday night by a group of people he had spoken to earlier in the day.
Catalan police have confirmed at least three people have been arrested, AFP news agency reports.
Mr Nasraoui was taken to hospital in Barcelona in a serious condition but is now said to be stable.
The reported attack took place near the Rocafonda neighbourhood where Yamal grew up.
Earlier in the day, Mr Nasraoui is said to have had an argument with a group of people he had encountered while walking his dog, Spanish newspaper El Pais reported.
Hours later, he was approached by the same group in a car park and stabbed multiple times.
The motivation for the stabbing is currently unknown.
A report on sports website Relevo said Mr Nasraoui was set to remain in hospital for two or three days under observation.
Lamine Yamal, Spain's youngest ever player, lit up Euro 2024 where he was named Young Player of the Tournament.
The winger set up Nico Williams's opening goal as Spain beat England 2-1 in the final in Berlin.
Shortly after Spain lifted the trophy, fans lined the streets of Mataró celebrating their young star.
After spending his childhood in the town, Yamal spent some of his teenage years at Barcelonas famed La Masia academy.
NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.