Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal backs his Ballon d’Or case: ‘The way I play is my strongest argument’

Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal backs his Ballon d’Or case: ‘The way I play is my strongest argument’ FC Barcelona teenage superstar Lamine Yamal has defended his case for the Ballon d’Or, highlighting his playing style, the trophies he has won and his ability to entertain supporters as the qualities that distinguish him from other contenders. In an exclusive interview with L’Equipe , a preview of which has now been released a preview, the 19-year-old sensation discussed his chances of winning the award and explained why he believes his approach to the game is one of his strongest arguments. Lamine backs himself for Ballon d’Or Asked what the Ballon d’Or should recognise , Lamine focused on more than goals and statistics, saying: “I think, ultimately, the Ballon d’Or is the award for the best player of the year, for the player who stands out, the one you enjoy watching play, the one for whom you’d watch a match just for him. It’s got nothing to do with the goals he scores, or anything else.” It could very well be a direct message to Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, who is banking on his exceptional goalscoring record during last season to lay claim to his first-ever Ballon d’Or. Meanwhile, the Barcelona forward then referred to Barcelona legends Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho as examples of players who offered something beyond their numbers. Lamine is one of the favourites for the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “When I think of the Ballon d’Or, I think of Messi, Ronaldinho, players like that, who are different and make you smile when you watch them,” he stated. For the La Masia graduate, individual talent and entertainment are therefore an important part of what should define the world’s best player. Trophies and team success also matter When asked directly about his own case for the award, Lamine pointed to his style of football as his main argument. “Everyone who plays football knows what my arguments are. I go out, I enjoy myself, I play well, I play the way I want to play,” the Barcelona attacker higlighted. He also highlighted the success he has enjoyed with both Barcelona and Spain, including the major international trophies won with the national team. “Fortunately, I’ve also been able to win many trophies with Barça, and I’ve been able to win the most important title, the World Cup, with my national team,” he asserted. But even after mentioning those achievements, Lamine returned to what he considers his defining quality. “More than that, I think the way I play is my strongest argument and what makes me most different,” he said. Lamine believes he should win the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The 19-year-old also stressed that individual performances cannot be separated from collective success, as he said: “It’s very important that, apart from being a good player, I make my team win.” Lamine wants his football to make a difference The Barcelona forward believes that team success naturally increases the recognition received by individual players. “When your team wins, everyone highlights you more, everyone shines more. Thank God, we’ve been winning with the national team for years,” he noted. Lamine also added that Barça are also enjoying a successful period and that he is happy with his own performances. “With Barça we’re winning, we’re very happy, we want to keep winning and individually I’m very happy.” The full interview with L’Equipe , covering Lamine’s Ballon d’Or ambitions, his reasons for believing he belongs among the favourites and his current form for club and country, will be aired later on Tuesday evening.