Lamine Yamal is optimistic that winning the World Cup with Spain will bolster his chances of securing the Ballon d’Or, with Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe identified as his primary competitors.
This year, Yamal played a role in helping La Roja clinch their second world title in North America; however, his contributions during the tournament were somewhat limited due to a hamstring injury that cut his 2025-26 season short. Last season, he scored 24 goals and provided 17 assists in 45 matches, playing a key role in Barcelona’s LaLiga title defense, ranking sixth among players in Europe’s top five leagues with 41 total goal contributions.
Yamal led all players with 429 attempted dribbles and 225 completed dribbles, and he also created the most chances (59) through successful ball carries. On Tuesday, Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, stated that one of his players deserves to win the prestigious award, similar to Rodri’s recognition after Euro 2024’s success.
With the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaching on October 26, Yamal has been assertive in making his case. He expressed, “This award recognizes the best player of the year—someone who stands out, who captivates audiences, and makes watching football a joy. I believe my style of play is my strongest asset.”
Yamal acknowledged the significance of team success, stating, “Winning the World Cup this year gives me an advantage, but if someone feels that Lionel Messi or Rodri should win, I totally respect that.”
In a reflective moment shared on social media, Yamal shared excitement over Spain’s historic World Cup win, reminiscing about that unforgettable day.
Having risen through the ranks at Barcelona, Yamal has often been compared to Messi, especially after outshining him in the World Cup final against Argentina. However, the 19-year-old is keen to establish his own legacy, saying, “I aim to create a legacy so that in 30 years, people will recognize my talent. I don’t want to compare myself to anyone. I want to be remembered simply as Lamine Yamal and aspire to join the ranks of the greats.”
Yamal is set to compete for Spain against England on Saturday in their opening Nations League match, as they aim to maintain an impressive 38-game unbeaten streak, the longest ever by a European nation.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the emergence of a new star in Yamal, who could redefine the future of the sport in Spain and beyond. His potential to impact both national and club football is exhilarating, and watching his journey unfold could elevate soccer to new heights.
Source: www.soccernews.com
