In just some weeks, the Ballon d’Or ceremony will happen in Paris, the place France Soccer journal will crown the very best soccer participant of the yr. Among the many high favorites is Lamine Yamal, who had a standout season with FC Barcelona. Nonetheless, he named two different stars who, in his view, additionally deserve the distinguished award.
“Clearly, each participant desires to win the Ballon d’Or, and anybody who says they don’t is mendacity,” Yamal stated in a latest interview with RTVE. “Being there at 18 is one thing to be pleased with, and I hope it occurs.”
Later, the Spanish winger was requested who he’d wish to see win the France Soccer trophy in case he doesn’t obtain it. Surprisingly, Lamine didn’t identify any of his three Barcelona teammates who’re additionally nominated this yr—Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, and Raphinha—or any of the opposite finalists on the 30-man shortlist.
“Neymar and Messi,” Yamal stated, unexpectedly. “I’d give one to Ney, I believe he deserves it. Ney again when he was enjoying for Barça or Paris Saint-Germain would completely deserve one now. I’d’ve appreciated to see him win it. And clearly Messi, as a result of he’s the very best in historical past.”
Neymar and Messi enjoying for Barcelona.
Has Neymar ever received the Ballon d’Or?
Yamal’s selections, whereas shocking to some, make sense. He named two gamers he grew up watching at Barcelona—gamers who undoubtedly impressed his growth as an athlete. In actual fact, this yr Lamine inherited the long-lasting No. 10 shirt at Barcelona, worn by Messi for 13 seasons.
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In terms of the Ballon d’Or, Messi and Neymar have had very totally different journeys. Messi is the all-time file holder with 8 Ballon d’Or trophies, whereas Neymar has by no means received the award. He got here closest in 2015 and 2017, ending third, and was additionally a top-10 finalist in each 2014 and 2016.
Yamal’s objectives for membership and nation
Past the dream of profitable the Ballon d’Or, Lamine Yamal made it clear that he has two major priorities within the medium time period—each of them collective objectives. The primary is with Barcelona: “We wish to win the Champions League… it’s a dream, it will be unbelievable.” That objective practically grew to become actuality final season, when the group fell within the semifinals to Inter Milan.
Yamal can also be optimistic about Spain’s nationwide group. “We now have a squad that may win the World Cup, though it’s not nearly being the very best—it’s about depth, staying targeted, giving every thing we’ve, and that’s what we’ll attempt to do,” stated Yamal. “Profitable the World Cup is a dream for each group enjoying it.”
