I Won’t Beg for Ballon d’Or – Lamine Yamal

Barcelona teenage star Lamine Yamal has ruled out campaigning for the Ballon d’Or, saying the prestigious individual award should be decided by voters based on players’ performances.

The 19-year-old is among the leading contenders for this year’s award after an impressive season with Barcelona and Spain. He helped Barcelona retain the LaLiga title and played a key role in Spain’s World Cup triumph.

Yamal, who finished second in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting behind Ousmane Dembele, said he was proud of his achievements and had no intention of trying to influence voters.

“I don’t think I need to make a campaign for it. I’m not thinking about what I deserve; everyone can think what they like,” Yamal said.

“I’m proud of everything I’ve done this year with my club and with the national team. We’ve become world champions, we’ve won the league again. I can’t ask for anything more.

“I’ve shown an incredible level. It’s the media’s job, and I will not beg for anything.”

Yamal’s comments came after Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe made a case for himself following his impressive World Cup campaign, during which he won the Golden Boot and became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer.

The Barcelona winger also reacted humorously after Dembele, who is among the nominees, named Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane and Mbappe as his preferred top three candidates.

“He’s a friend of Kylian, right?” Yamal joked.

He added: “The truth is I don’t care. I’m very happy with the year I had. When I played against both of them together, I must have annoyed them.”

Yamal was instrumental in Spain’s World Cup campaign, including their 2-0 semi-final victory over France.

Although his season was disrupted by a hamstring injury in April, the youngster has recently returned to top form, scoring in each of his last two appearances against Rayo Vallecano and Valencia.

Reflecting on his recent success, Yamal said he has every reason to be happy.

“In the end, I’m 19, coming off winning a World Cup, having had the best holidays of my life.

“I’ve never been happier at any point in my life than I am now.”

Yamal is also considered one of the favourites to win the Best Young Player award for a third consecutive year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, scheduled to take place in London on October 26.

He was among the 10 players nominated for the award, alongside Johan Manzambi, Yan Diomande and Ayyoub Bouaddi.