Flick Backs Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or Bid Before Racing Santander Test

Hansi Flick has backed Barcelona’s push for Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or, arguing that the teenager’s confidence is a defining part of the attacking threat he brings to the side. The Barcelona coach addressed Yamal’s recent comments on the award before the club’s La Liga match against Racing Santander, while also urging his squad to stay focused on an opponent he expects to play with ambition.

Flick backs Yamal’s Ballon d’Or belief

Yamal has spoken openly about believing he merits football’s leading individual prize, and Flick made clear that Barcelona have no reason to play down their support for one of their own players.

• Flick said Barcelona should be entitled to promote Yamal’s candidacy because he is a club player.
• The coach believes self-belief is essential to the winger’s ability to decide matches.
• Flick pointed to Yamal’s capacity to beat one or two defenders, linking that strength directly to his confidence.
• Although he would have preferred the youngster to avoid some of the attention surrounding the remarks, Flick said he appreciates Yamal’s honesty.

The German said Yamal is still a young player but praised him as sincere and sure of his own ability. In Flick’s view, that mentality helps the forward produce goals and create decisive moments, and he wants him to retain it. If Yamal considers himself worthy of the Ballon d’Or, Flick said he shares that assessment.

Camp Nou set for 2029 European final

Flick also welcomed confirmation that Camp Nou will stage the 2029 Champions League final. The prospect of hosting the competition’s showpiece in Catalonia was described as major news for Barcelona, although the manager would not predict whether he will still be in charge by then.

His immediate ambition is for Barcelona to win the competition before the final returns to the rebuilt stadium. Flick said he expects to remain at the club in some capacity when the occasion arrives, but acknowledged that he cannot know whether he will still be on the touchline.

Racing Santander demand Barcelona’s attention

Despite the discussion around awards and the future Champions League final, Flick’s focus is on Barcelona’s matchday-six league meeting with Racing Santander.

• Flick said Barcelona are concerned with winning matches rather than pursuing records.
• He characterised Racing as a strong opponent who play boldly.
• The Barcelona coach expects the visitors to attack space and play with courage.
• He called on his players to remain concentrated and establish themselves as the better team during the match.

With the squad managing a demanding schedule, Flick warned against any loss of intensity. Barcelona’s priority, he said, is to take the next league victory rather than allow external discussion over individual honours or future events to distract from the immediate task.