Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal has said he does not obsess over winning the Ballon d’Or, revealing he is more eager to lift the two biggest collective honours in football — the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup.
Just 17 years of age, Yamal is already one of the best players in Europe. The La Masia graduate is an exceptional dribbler, can create goalscoring opportunities out of thin air, has a very cool head, and is a clinical finisher.
He made his debut under former Barcelona manager Xavi in the 2022-23 season, became a regular in 2023-24 — recording seven goals and nine assists in 50 matches — and is now one of the first names Hansi Flick’s team sheet.
Yamal has also made waves in national colours, emerging as one of the key contributors as Spain lifted the 2024 European Championship in Germany. He scored a goal and provided four assists to take home the Young Player of the Tournament award.
On 27th November, Italian outlet Tuttosport announced Yamal as this year’s Golden Boy — an esteemed accolade that recognizes the year’s best U21 player. Considering the year he had, it was all but a formality.
Lamine Yamal Wants to Win Collective Honours With Barcelona and Spain More Than Ballon d’Or
After winning the most prestigious trophy for U21 footballers, Yamal would not be wrong to pine for the Ballon d’Or. However, as revealed in his interview with MARCA, he has other priorities.
When asked whether he aspires to win the Ballon d’Or, Yamal replied:
“It’s not something that obsesses me. First, I have other dreams to fulfil, like winning the Champions League or the World Cup. If one day I win the Ballon d’Or, it will be a consequence, first, of having achieved those collective objectives. But of course, it would be nice.”
After lifting the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Rodri predicted that Yamal would also win the trophy one day. When asked to comment on his compatriot’s prophecy, Yamal added:
“It’s a source of pride, really. That a player and leader of Rodri’s stature says that flatters me greatly and motivates me to work and improve.”
Yamal is on course for a career-best season in 2024-25. He has played 21 games for the La Liga leaders so far, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists.
