Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal explains why he deserves the Ballon d’Or: ‘Everyone who watches knows’
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has publicly stated his belief that he deserves the Ballon d'Or, citing his performance and achievements over the past season. Despite his confidence, he expressed personal dissatisfaction with his contribution during Spain's World Cup campaign.
Why it matters
The statement highlights the high-pressure environment of professional sports and the intense competition for individual accolades among elite young athletes.
Lamine Yamal has made his case for the Ballon d’Or in typically confident fashion, naming himself alongside Kylian Mbappe as one of the two players he believes stand above the rest this year.
The Barcelona forward made the claim in a preview of his upcoming interview with Universo Valdano , shortly after scoring twice against Valencia .
With the Ballon d’Or ceremony scheduled for 26 October in London, Yamal was asked who he would give the award to.
“Who would I give it to? The best player in the world. Who are they going to give it to?
“Honestly, as the best in the world, I think there might be two of us, me and Mbappe, but I think this year I’d deserve it for what I’ve achieved.
“Everyone who watches the matches knows that,” the Barça forward said.
There is a substantial body of work behind the 19-year-old’s confidence.
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