President of Barcelona, Joan Laporta has named Spain international of Morocco descent Lamine Yamal among the favourites to annex this year’s Ballon d’Or award.
The 18-year-old, who also has Equatorial Guinea roots exploded last season, helping Barcelona to secure both La Liga and Copa del Rey titles respectively.
He also delivered a standout performance as Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid on four occasions last season.
Yamal is among the nominees for the prestigious award, with the winner due to be announced at a glittering ceremony on Monday, September 22 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.
While tipping a Barcelona player to secure the Ballon d’Or award, Laporta has strongly made a case for Yamal.
“The Ballon d’Or should go to a Barcelona player. Yamal is a fantastic footballer, and he proves it in every match. And what a Ballon d’Or winner does is prove it even during training sessions. I hope Barça sweeps everything at the ceremony,” Laporta said, as quoted by TNT Sports.
Yamal, who turned 18 in July racked up 18 goals and provided 25 assists in 55 appearances for Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint Germain star Ousmane Dembele has been tipped as the clear favourite to annex the Ballon d’Or accolade.
