Headlines have been dominated this week by an event to be hosted in London in November, giving people the chance to pay a pretty price for dinner with Lamine Yamal’s mother, Sheila Ebana. However former Real Betis and Real Valladolid player Benjamin Zarandona has provided some context to the event.
The event, scheduled to take place on the 7th of November at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City, is ticketed and offers fans the chance to have a three-course dinner with a champagne reception. Prices range between £130 to £289 (€149 to €252), and those at the higher range will include the opportunity to have a photo with Ebana. There is also entertainment, a DJ, other sports personalities and more photo opportunities.
Ebana criticised for monetising son’s status
In recent months, Lamine Yamal’s father has been criticised for appearing too often in the press, and putting himself and his son unduly in the headlines. Ebana meanwhile has also caught some flack since the event became publicised, suggesting that she too is profiting off her son’s status.
Benjamin Zarandona explains Ebana’s involvement
The event was frequently described as ‘organised’ or ‘hosted’ by Ebana, suggesting she was the one that was charging significant amounts just to meet her. However Zarandona spoke to Cadena SER on Thursday night to explain her involvement.
“This company wants to decorate my charity dinner. They see me with Lamine Yamal’s mother and ask if it’s possible to bring Sheila to London for Christmas. I tell them we’ll talk about it, and we’re able to reach an agreement. They also realise I’ve been a footballer and invite me to attend this dinner. I set some conditions, and they accept.”
“They’ve hired us both to go to a dinner party they’re organising and setting the prices for. They just want to make a profit on the dinner, and Lamine Yamal’s mother is going as the guest of honour; she didn’t organise anything about the dinner at all. Nothing more.”
Lamine Yamal will join the Spain squad against the wishes of Barça, who would prefer that he finishes recovering from the discomfort in his pubis during this break with two home matches against the extremely strong Georgia and Bulgaria. @xavi__hdez
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 3, 2025
“A number of things came out that really surprised me because she had nothing to do with the organisation or the prices; she was a guest.”
Zarandona and Ebana met some time ago, and bonded over their heritage, with both hailing from Equatorial Guinea. He went on to vouch for her character.
“She’s super humble, super discreet, and a very normal personal and laid-back. She could have been on a number of TV programs talking about her son, and she’s turned them down.
Lamine Yamal recently spoke about his mother and his upbringing, explaining that Ebana was ‘his queen’. One of the first things that the 18-year-old did with his new-found fortune was buy his mother a house.
