Neymar : “The Ballon d’Or for Lamine Yamal? I want to be honest with you, if Lamine Yamal doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or this year, it’s not the end of the world! It’s the beginning of a great story! Imagine this kid is only 18 years old! At his age, I was playing on the streets [laughs]! And he’s already a Ballon d’Or candidate! That in itself is a historic achievement! Why will he win it in the future? Because he has rare raw talent, a mentality that is far beyond his years, unshakable confidence in difficult situations and an incredible rapid development each season. Yamal is not just a passing talent, he is a phenomenon of his generation! And he proves that age is just a number when you have real talent! The Ballon d’Or is coming, he just needs to be patient and persevere! And I believe in him more he believes in himself

At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has established himself as one of the brightest young talents in Spanish football. The FC Barcelona winger, currently with the Spanish national team preparing for the UEFA Nations League, spoke to El Partidazo de COPE, sharing his thoughts on his current form, his ambitions, and his views on the game.

 

 

Yamal

 

 

One of the key talking points was his take on the Ballon d’Or. Far from being fixated on individual accolades, the Barça academy product showed a maturity beyond his years.

“I’m not thinking about winning the Ballon d’Or. I’m focused on enjoying myself, playing well, and if it’s meant to come, it will,” he stated calmly.

This Thursday, Yamal will face off against one of the frontrunners for the prestigious award: Ousmane Dembélé. When asked about his own pick for the Ballon d’Or, he responded with a smile:

“I’d vote for the best player of the year, but if you want to settle it on Thursday, let’s do it then. I’d give it to the best, and I’ll keep my choice to myself.”

 

“It’s Impossible for Me to Play for Real Madrid”

 

Another headline moment came when he was asked about the ongoing rumors linking him to Real Madrid, especially after his father revealed he was a fan of the club. Without hesitation, Yamal responded emphatically:

“It’s impossible for me to play for Real Madrid,” he declared, reaffirming his loyalty to FC Barcelona and his connection to the club’s identity.

 

Confidence in Barcelona Future

 

Yamal also spoke about Barça current situation and highlighted the importance of a winning mindset within the squad.

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“We’re improving, but we need to believe that we’re the best. When Real Madrid lost to Arsenal, people thought they could turn it around. But when we drew against Inter, people doubted us. That’s what needs to change,” he explained.

 

 

 

A Rising Star with a Bright Future

 

Firmly established as a starter for both club and country, Lamine Yamal is enjoying a dream run. His flair, technique, and self assurance have made him one of the standout revelations in European football. Yet, despite the spotlight, he remains grounded.

He doesn’t obsess over awards, doesn’t shy away from rivalries, and isn’t afraid of big challenges. Yamal has everything it takes to become a global star but for now, he’s focused on enjoying the journey.

In a sport where pressure often overwhelms young talents, Yamal brings a breath of fresh air. And if he continues to speak and play the way he does, the Ballon d’Or won’t be a dream it will be a natural outcome.