Lamine Yamal’s mother, Sheila Ebana, is venturing into event hosting by organizing a high-end dinner gala in London on 7 November—and though the Barcelona star won’t be in attendance, the evening promises an intimate experience for fans, media and sports figures alike.
The announcement has stirred debate, especially around pricing, transparency and the ethics of monetizing proximity to a high-profile athlete’s circle.
According to event listings and social media posts, tickets are being offered across tiers: a Standard package (€150) includes a welcome cocktail and three-course menu; a mid-range option (around €400) promises unlimited champagne and upgraded lounge seating; and a VIP package (€800) grants priority table placement, open bar access, and a photo opportunity with Sheila Ebana herself. Some promotional posts suggest the event capacity will be about 400 guests, and attendance is restricted to those 18 and older.
The gala is branded as a Christmas-themed sports dinner, though it is scheduled nearly two months ahead of the holiday season. The venue will be in central London—recent promotions mention the Nobu Hotel, Portman Square, among potential locations. Jen C Events is listed as the organizing company overseeing ticket sales and logistics.
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Critics have questioned the steep prices and marketing approach: how justifiable is a dinner with the mother of a footballer—especially when the star himself will be absent? Some media outlets report that initial promotional materials cited a maximum ticket price of around €360, lower than the €800 package now being circulated. One Spanish outlet noted that while early reports claimed the highest tier would cost €800, the event’s official page lists €360 as the current top price.
Defending the arrangement, former player Benjamín Zarandona, who is also slated to attend, told Spanish media that Ebana is not the event’s organizer but participates as a contracted guest. According to him, ticket pricing and venue decisions were handled by the event company.
Regardless of the debates, the event has attracted attention and is already selling tickets. For many Barcelona and football fans, it offers an unusual chance to connect—however loosely—with someone intimately tied to one of the game’s most talked-about young talents.
