At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal, the breakout star of FC Barcelona, is already being mentioned in Ballon d'Or conversations — and he’s not shying away from the topic. In an interview with El Partidazo de COPE, the young winger shared his perspective on how the award should be judged and the importance of looking beyond single matches.

"The Ballon d’Or is for the best player of the year"

When asked about the ongoing debate surrounding potential winners — including Ousmane Dembélé, who recently led PSG to a historic treble — Yamal emphasized that the award should reflect consistency and overall performance:

“The award is for the best player of the year. Whether we win or not on Thursday, I’d vote for the best over the year. If something happens to me or Dembélé that day, who do you vote for? Someone else playing the final on Sunday? If they want to decide it on Thursday, then so be it.”

Yamal’s comment hints at the Champions League final being seen as a decisive moment in the Ballon d'Or race — something he doesn't fully agree with.

Focused on growth, not on trophies

Despite being named among potential candidates, Yamal made it clear he doesn’t feel pressure to win the Ballon d’Or right away:

“It will go badly for me if I start thinking I need to win the Ballon d’Or. I just think about playing, about winning… and it will come. If next year I win the Champions League and the World Cup, then it will come.”

Yamal’s picks for the best of the year

While he didn’t reveal who would get his Ballon d’Or vote, Yamal did name his top performers by position:

• Best Coach : Luis Enrique
• Best Goalkeeper : Gianluigi Donnarumma
• Best Defender : Willian Pacho
• Best Midfielder : Pedri
• Best Forward : Vitinha