Flick Defends Yamal’s Ballon d’Or Ambition as Barcelona Star Backs Himself

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has backed Lamine Yamal’s claim that he should win the Ballon d’Or, describing the 19-year-old’s confidence as justified by his achievements for club and country.

Key takeaways

• Yamal recently said he and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe are the world’s leading players, but argued that the Ballon d’Or should go to him.
• Flick cited Barcelona’s LaLiga and Spanish Supercopa successes, as well as Spain’s World Cup triumph, in support of the winger’s case.
• The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26.
• Harry Kane and Ousmane Dembele are among the other prominent contenders for the individual award.
• Barcelona host newly promoted Racing Santander at Camp Nou on Wednesday, seeking a sixth successive Liga victory.

Flick sees confidence rather than ego

Flick has regularly warned his Barcelona players about the danger of egos undermining a successful team, but he does not believe Yamal’s public Ballon d’Or ambition falls into that category.

The Barcelona manager said the teenager had simply expressed an honest view, one supported by his performances during the season. Flick highlighted Yamal’s ability to produce moments that excite an entire stadium, particularly when he takes on one, two or even three defenders.

“He is honest and he has self-confidence,” Flick said. “He has shown this season how good he is. He is exceptional. He believes he deserves it and I believe he deserves it too: two titles with us, LaLiga and the Spanish Supercopa, plus the World Cup with Spain. Why not?”

Flick added that the same belief is visible whenever Yamal receives the ball in attacking situations. “Whether it is one against one, one against two or one against three, everybody in the stadium says, ‘Wow.’ That is Lamine,” he said. “I will support him. It is amazing to have a player like him. He is our player, so it is normal that we support him.”

Barcelona return to league priorities

Asked whether Yamal’s pursuit of the award could become a distraction, Flick said he hoped it would not. His emphasis remains on the collective work required to keep winning trophies.

“We are focused on what we can control, which is working hard every day,” Flick said. “For me, winning with the team is the most important thing. If you win team titles because you have worked hard, then you deserve recognition.”

Yamal’s challenge will be judged against a competitive field, with Bayern Munich striker Kane and Paris Saint-Germain forward Dembele also in contention for the Ballon d’Or.

Before the London ceremony, Barcelona have immediate league business. The Blaugrana welcome Racing Santander on Wednesday, with a win at Camp Nou set to make it six victories from six in Liga and give Yamal another opportunity to underline his season.