Monchi Apologises to Espanyol Fans Over Lamine Yamal Ballon d’Or Vote
Espanyol sporting director Monchi has apologised to supporters after selecting Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal as his choice for football’s leading individual award, a response that drew anger because of the clubs’ intense city rivalry.
Monchi said his answer was based on Spain rather than Barcelona. Asked to choose between Kylian Mbappe of France, England’s Harry Kane and Spain international Yamal, he said he backed the Spanish candidate.
Quick facts
- Monchi chose Lamine Yamal ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane in an award discussion.
- The Espanyol executive apologised after Perico supporters objected to praise for a Barcelona player.
- He said his decision reflected national allegiance, not support for Espanyol’s local rivals.
- Espanyol are due to host Barcelona at the RCDE Stadium on January 3.
- The award winner is set to be announced in London on October 26.
The reaction prompted Monchi to clarify that he understood why the remarks had upset Espanyol fans. He accepted that, as a figure closely identified with the Perico support, he should have named a player other than Barcelona’s leading young star.
He stressed there was no intention to slight Espanyol or its followers, saying he has felt attached to the club since arriving and recognises what its identity means in the city. His apology was directed at any supporter offended by the answer.
The issue reflects the sensitivity that surrounds the Barcelona derby, with admiration for a major player from the other side of the Catalan divide rarely received quietly. It could give added edge to the next league meeting when Barcelona visit the RCDE Stadium on January 3.
Yamal will arrive with his standing in the game continuing to rise. He has recently helped Spain to World Cup success and has been central to a current 40-match unbeaten sequence for the national team.
Attention will also turn to London on October 26, when the recipient of the Golden Ball is due to be confirmed.
