Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images
Renato Gonçalves Renato Goncalves is the deputy manager of Barca Blaugranes and has been writing for the site since all the way back in 2014. He’s a massive sports fan and has been crazy about Barcelona ever since Rivaldo scored that bicycle kick in 2001.
Lamine Yamal was the Barcelona player chosen to speak alongside coach Hansi Flick ahead of the club’s Champions League opener against Feyenoord on Wednesday, and the teenager had a very good press conference.
Yamal was asked about many topics, including Real Madrid’s complaints about the refereeing following their loss to Real Betis over the weekend as well as Lamine’s chances of winning this year Ballon d’Or after a successful season with Barça and the World Cup title he won with Spain.
Lamine, as he tends to do when speaking to the press, was mature beyond his years and gave a very good answer.
”I don’t know, if they haven’t won in years, that’s their problem. Ask them. We’re happy with the refereeing.
”No, I don’t think I need to campaign to win the Ballon d’Or. I don’t have to convince you of anything. I’ve done a very good job this year, and I don’t have to beg you to vote for me to win it. I don’t think it depends on me, but on the journalists. The work I’ve done with the team and the national team has been incredible. If it happens, I’ll be grateful to everyone. Although I think I have a chance.
“[On Ousmane Dembele choosing Mbappé over Yamal] - He’s friends with Kylian, right? (laughs) Honestly, I don’t mind. It’s normal, I get along really well with Dembélé, and it’s normal that I have to include other people. There’s no need to show off the year I’ve had.”
Ballon d’Or conversations are annoying and Yamal is absolutely right to stay away from any sort of campaigning. He’ll let his work speak for itself, and he’s more than good enough to win it in the future if it doesn’t come this year.