It has been an illustrious year for Barcelona protege Lamine Yamal who continues to break records and lead the team’s attack on the field.
He was awarded the Kopa Trophy earlier this year and was even announced as the victor of the Golden Boy by Tuttosport. The ceremony for the accolade was held last night, although Yamal was not present at the venue to receive it in person.
With Barcelona opting against travelling to Italy for the ceremony for logistical reasons, Yamal did attend it via videoconference where he had an interesting exchange with his agent Jorge Mendes.
Objective Ballon d’Or
The player’s super-agent was in Italy and spoke to Lamine via the video call where he did not hold back in giving his client larger goals.
“Next year you’re going to win the Ballon d’Or,” Mendes told the 17-year-old in front of the whole world as revealed by Spanish journalist Toni Juanmarti.
Golden Boy done, Ballon d’Or next? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
To that, the youngster responded by laughing and admitting he hoped for the same.
“May God hear you,” he exclaimed.
Yamal has become a mainstay for Hansi Flick’s side although his run in recent times has been marred by injuries.
While the youngster does indeed not have any muscular setbacks, his style of play has attracted a lot of fouls and he fell prey to a vicious challenge once more in the team’s recent game against Leganes.
He is now out for the team’s match against Atletico Madrid in what is a huge blow to the manager’s plans. Needless to say, Barcelona will pray he is back in time for the Spanish Super Cup final which could well be a Clasico.