Yamal Makes Case for Ballon d'Or, Pointing to Style Over Goals

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal says his playing style and a trophy-filled year with club and country make him a strong Ballon d'Or candidate.

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has spoken about his Ballon d'Or prospects in an interview with France Football, arguing the award should go to the most exceptional player rather than the top goalscorer.

Yamal said the prize honors "the exceptional player, the one you enjoy watching play, to the point of watching a match just for him." He cited Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho as the players he associates with the award, describing them as talents who made people smile when they played.

The teenager pointed to his own style as his distinguishing trait. "I go out on the pitch, I enjoy myself, I play well, and I play my way," he said, adding that he believes his approach sets him apart from other candidates.

He also noted his recent silverware, having won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona plus the World Cup with Spain. Yamal said that success strengthens his case, because the best player makes his team win and victories allow everyone to shine.

Spain and Barcelona have both been winning consistently, he said, and the team wants to keep that run going.