Disappointment Over Ballon d’Or Voting
Mounir Nasraou, the father of young talent Lamine Yamal, has expressed deep disappointment over his son’s placement in the recent Ballon d’Or voting, stating that it represents “the biggest moral damage done to a human being.” In the prestigious award ceremony held in Paris, Barcelona’s winger Yamal finished as the runner-up, trailing Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé.
“Lamine Yamal is, without a doubt, the best player globally—far ahead of anyone else. This situation feels odd, and I can only wonder what occurred. I believe that by next year, we will see a Spanish player clinch the Ballon d’Or.”
Performance Comparison
Dembélé’s impressive season saw him net 35 goals across 53 matches, contributing significantly to PSG’s treble-winning campaign, which included victories in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and their first Champions League title. In contrast, Yamal had a commendable season with Barcelona, scoring 18 goals in 55 matches, leading the team to triumph in LaLiga, the Spanish Supercup, and the Copa del Rey, although they fell short in the Champions League semifinals against Inter Milan.
Comments from Barcelona’s President
Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta weighed in on the discussion, suggesting that Dembélé’s Champions League success might have swayed voters.
“Winning such a prestigious title has its influence,”
Laporta remained optimistic for Yamal’s future, asserting,
“We believed he had a strong chance. Both Lamine and Dembélé were finalists, and I am confident that Lamine will eventually win this honor. This experience will only serve to fuel his ambition, as he is a fierce competitor.”
Achievements and Future Aspirations
Amidst the accolades, Yamal did achieve a milestone by securing his second Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best under-21 player, making him the only player to have received it multiple times. He had previously garnered the title after playing a crucial role in Spain’s European Championship victory last year. Reflecting on this achievement, Laporta remarked,
“Lamine’s second Kopa is a remarkable feat; it stands out as a unique recognition.”
Having signed a long-term contract with Barcelona extending until June 2031, Yamal is focused on continuing to enhance his game and achieve further accolades.
“I must keep striving to earn more awards as my career progresses,”
Yamal expressed following the ceremony. Yamal’s agent, Jorge Mendes, remains optimistic about his future, confidently stating,
“Lamine is destined to win multiple Ballon d’Or trophies.”
