One of many large names from FC Barcelona nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or will probably be notably absent on the ceremony in Paris this Monday evening—Pedri González. In the meantime, Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old prodigy, is predicted to attend the gala, shining vibrant among the many Barça nominees.
Regardless of a robust season and constant performances, the 22-year-old midfielder has chosen to prioritize relaxation over attending this 12 months’s gala on the Théâtre du Châtelet. After experiences in previous editions, Pedri has determined that additional journey isn’t well worth the toll on his physique, particularly given Barcelona’s packed schedule.
Barcelona faces a tense sequence of fixtures: their subsequent La Liga recreation vs. Actual Oviedo comes just a few days after the gala, and so they additionally produce other essential league and European matches on the horizon. Pedri has began each recreation for Barça this season—by way of the primary 4 La Liga matches and their Champions League opener—and on condition that he’s solely missed a handful of minutes (he was substituted round minute 81 in opposition to Valencia), he’s opted to make use of this downtime to recuperate reasonably than including one other journey.
Lamine Yamal: The youth star who will be in Paris
Alternatively, Lamine Yamal is predicted to journey to Paris to attend the Ballon d’Or gala as a part of the Barcelona contingent. He will probably be accompanied by round 20 relations, in keeping with Mundo Deportivo.
Pedri is trying to be properly rested for a season by which he will probably be aiming to win his first Champions League title.
Supervisor Hansi Flick has expressed confidence in Yamal’s trajectory: “Someday we are going to see this, that Lamine will get this trophy.”
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He’s one of many favorites this 12 months—not just for the primary Ballon d’Or but additionally for the Kopa Trophy (the award for one of the best under-21 participant). Though he has been lacking in some current matches as a consequence of a groin situation, Barcelona are monitoring him day by day to evaluate his situation.
The larger image for Barcelona
Barcelona is sending a robust delegation: Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, Raphinha, and Hansi Flick are all anticipated in Paris. Pedri and Robert Lewandowski, although nominated, is not going to be there.
Pedri’s absence attracts consideration as a result of he’s the one outfield participant from Barça who has began each single match this season throughout all competitions. Resting now might repay because the calendar intensifies, particularly with essential league video games and a number of appearances within the Champions League forward.
