Spain international downplays manager Hansi Flick’s warning that “egos” could derail the club’s season
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has confessed he is eyeing up this year’s Ballon d’Or prize, saying that winning the award would be “a dream”.
The Spain international won La Liga and the Copa del Rey with Barcelona last season, finishing with the highest assists in La Liga. He also helped his country win Euro 2024.
His performances have seen him shortlisted for and tipped to win the Ballon d’Or this year. He finished eighth in the 2024 edition.
Yamal said: “Obviously every player wants to win the Ballon d’Or, and anyone who says they don’t is lying.
“Being shortlisted at 18 is something to be valued, and I hope it happens. Winning the Champions League with Barcelona would also be incredible. Both [the Ballon d’Or award and Champions League] are a dream.”
Yamal also downplayed head coach Hansi Flick’s warning that “egos” could derail the club’s season, insisting the squad remains united and focused on defending their La Liga title.
Flick voiced his frustration after his side’s 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, a match in which they only managed a point thanks to goalkeeper Joan Garcia’s heroics.
“I don’t want egos,” Barcelona’s manager told reporters afterwards. “Egos kill success. Last year we were a team, and we must continue to be that way.”
Yamal, however, suggested his manager’s comments were made in the heat of the moment.
“After a draw, you are heated because in the end, you have to win,” the 18-year-old said. “I don’t think it has anything to do with egos. We’ve taken seven points from nine in difficult stadiums, and we haven’t played at home yet.
“Against Rayo it wasn’t our game. We lacked intensity and made mistakes, but it can happen. We just have to recover our level as soon as possible.”
Yamal has started the season in strong form, with two goals and three assists in Barcelona’s first three league games, including his side’s only goal – a penalty – against Rayo.
However, there is still a long way to go. Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Yamal said his side had to let their hunger continue to drive them.
“The hardest thing is to win again after having already won it,” Yamal said of La Liga. “But we’re a young squad, and we always want more.”
