Lamine Yamal retains La Liga players’ award as Barcelona star targets Champions League

Lamine Yamal has been named the best player in La Liga for the 2025-26 season by the Spanish footballers’ association, retaining the award for a second successive year.

The Barcelona forward collected the prize at a ceremony in Madrid on Tuesday evening before speaking to the media in the mixed zone about the honour, his form, Barcelona’s squad and his ambitions with the club.

“I’m very happy to be here. Any award is welcome, especially when it comes through a vote by my fellow players,” Yamal said, according to Spanish newspaper AS. “People talk a lot about what is happening with me, but honestly I’m happy and enjoying everything.”

The award comes after Yamal made an impressive start to the current campaign. He has scored twice in La Liga’s opening three matches.

The 19-year-old was also asked about the possibility of Julian Alvarez moving from Atletico de Madrid to Barcelona, with the summer transfer window approaching its close.

“At the moment we are performing very well and we don’t need more goals. Julian is a great player, but I’m happy with the squad we have,” Yamal said.

Barcelona’s attacking options have been compared with those of rivals Real Madrid, but Yamal declined to say whether his side’s forward line was superior.

“This is not an area for competition. But we want to win everything,” he said.

Yamal also reflected on his notable goal against Rayo Vallecano, explaining the personal significance of scoring for the club he has grown up supporting.

“It meant a lot to me. Scoring for the club that represents my life makes me very happy,” he said.

The Spain international said he believes he is continuing to improve and that failing to progress would have been a concern.

“Yes, I feel that I am developing. I would have had a problem if I wasn’t. I’m still very young, and I always listen and try to improve,” he said.

Yamal’s comments came as he continues to establish himself as one of Barcelona’s leading players. He insisted, however, that his focus remained on collective success rather than comparisons with Real Madrid or individual recognition.

His biggest ambition is to help Barcelona win the Champions League.

“I want to win the Champions League. Sorry, Alex Baena,” Yamal added.