Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal shared his views on what he believes is the key criterion for choosing the Ballon d’Or winner. The Spanish player emphasized that it is not the number of goals scored but rather a footballer’s ability to be unique and provide fans with joy through their play.
Yamal spoke to L’Équipe ahead of the award ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London. Among the frontrunners for the prize is also Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé.
“The Ballon d’Or, as you say, is an award for the best player of the year, a special footballer whom you enjoy watching so much that you would tune in to a match just to see him. I think that is what makes a player special. It has nothing to do with the number of goals he scores or anything else,” Yamal explained.
The Barcelona star cited Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho as examples, highlighting their ability to bring positive emotions to supporters.
“When I think of the Ballon d’Or, I think of Messi, Ronaldinho, and players like them who stand out from the rest and make you smile when you watch them,” Yamal added.
The Spaniard stressed that he aims to enjoy football and play in the way he believes is right.
“I think everyone who watches football knows my arguments. I go out on the pitch, enjoy myself, play well, and do it the way I want. Fortunately, I have also managed to win many titles with Barcelona and the most important one—the World Cup—with my national team,” Yamal concluded.
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