Despite Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal’s exceptional talent, he did not win the Ballon d’Or, the award given to the world’s best player, because he is too young, according to Spanish League President Javier Tebas. He made this statement after the Ballon d’Or ceremony held on Monday night, where Yamal, who is barely 18 years old, finished in second place. The Ballon d’Or award was won by PSG’s 28-year-old forward Ousmane Dembélé. “I feel he didn’t get the award because he was too young. This is why they gave him the Young Player of the Year award again. I’m sure if he were 23 years old, he would have won this award,” Tebas stated.
Tebas expressed hope that Yamal would win the Ballon d’Or in the near future. He also added that the player possesses all the necessary skills for it. However, in contrast, Barcelona President Joan Laporta stated that in his view, Yamal did not win the Ballon d’Or because Barcelona did not win the Champions League trophy. “I feel the Champions League’s weight was more significant in deciding this year’s award. Yamal is a great kid. Our team had him, Raphinha, and Pedri nominated. I’m sure Yamal is a player who will win this award many times. His time will come,” Laporta said.
Dembélé, who won the Ballon d’Or, scored 35 goals in 53 matches last season. He also helped PSG win the French League, French Cup, and the Champions League. Additionally, he led the team to the Club World Cup final. Looking at 18-year-old Yamal, he scored 18 goals in 55 matches and won three trophies: the Spanish Cup, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Spanish League. Barcelona was eliminated from the Champions League in the semi-finals. Yamal’s agent, Jorge Mendes, also said that Yamal is a player with a promising future and has every opportunity to win the Ballon d’Or. However, his father believes the award was rigged.
