Lamine Yamal’s agent accused of ₦32 million tax fraud

Jorge Mendes, one of football’s most influential agents and the long-time representative of Cristiano Ronaldo, is under legal scrutiny in his home country of Portugal over allegations of a substantial tax fraud.

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Mendes, who currently manages rising Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, has been accused of orchestrating a financial scheme that reportedly cost the Portuguese tax authorities €18 million (approximately ₦32 million) through a complex personal transaction.

The controversy surrounds a donation made by Mendes to his wife, which allegedly involved nearly half the capital of a business. That business was later acquired by another company linked to Mendes himself, triggering suspicions from Portugal’s Public Ministry.

The authorities argue that this maneuver allowed Mendes to sidestep a large tax liability, resulting in an €18 million shortfall for the state. This investigation, part of a broader operation titled ‘Offside’, does not appear to be connected to Mendes’ professional dealings in football but rather to his private financial arrangements.

Mendes’ legal team has been quick to deny the accusations. In a statement, his lawyer Rui Patrício de Morais Leitao asserted that the charges are “incorrect and unfounded,” and noted Mendes’ contributions to Portuguese society and his track record as a responsible taxpayer.

Interestingly, despite disputing the claim, Mendes has reportedly agreed to pay the fine. His representatives explained that the transaction had been reviewed by the tax office as far back as 2014 without issue, and this is the first time in over a decade that Portuguese authorities have deemed any tax payment to be due.

The legal case may be rooted in Mendes’ personal affairs, but it inevitably casts a shadow over his agency, Gestifute, which manages a host of top-tier talents including Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Ansu Fati, and Alejandro Balde.

Mendes has played a major role in shaping the careers of numerous La Liga stars and has remained a dominant figure in Spanish football transfers for over twenty years.

His influence spans Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and more recently, Barcelona, where Yamal’s breakout season has placed him at the centre of attention.

As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains uncertain whether the ongoing case will affect Mendes’ business dealings or his clients' futures. However, with the agent publicly committed to resolving the issue through payment and compliance, there is no indication yet of professional repercussions for the players under his management.