Laporta backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or and praises Rodri’s support

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has defended Lamine Yamal’s claim that he deserves the Ballon d’Or, saying the young forward was right to speak confidently about his chances.

Laporta also criticised Barcelona’s traditional rivals Real Madrid while praising Rayo Vallecano president Raul Martin Presa after the club secured a precautionary ruling allowing it to play at Vallecas.

Speaking to reporters as he left a dinner with prominent football agent Jorge Mendes, Laporta said: “I am very happy for president Raul Martin Presa after obtaining the precautionary decision for Rayo Vallecano to be able to play at Vallecas.

“He deserves it. It was unreasonable that stadiums could be reclassified for some, while others were prevented from playing at their own ground, even though all their licences were in order.”

Laporta was asked about Yamal’s comments regarding his credentials for the Ballon d’Or and compared them with remarks previously made by France and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe was once asked who he would vote for and replied: “Myself.”

“I would be very pleased if Yamal won the Ballon d’Or, and I believe he deserves it,” Laporta said.

When asked whether it was positive for Yamal to say publicly that he should win the award, Laporta replied: “Absolutely yes, because others do the same for themselves.

“The world has changed a little. These young players act very spontaneously, and Yamal said it in a positive sense. He said what he had to say.”

Laporta also stressed that young players can progress rapidly because they are not held back by fear or inhibitions.

“We must understand that they are young players and they do not suffer from any inhibitions. That is why they succeed so quickly,” he said. “Lamine has the talent and is a reference player.”

Barcelona have openly backed Yamal’s candidacy for the award, a position also noted by Rodri after the Manchester City midfielder said the Catalan club had taken a clear stance in support of the teenager.

Explaining Barcelona’s position, Laporta said: “We support all Barcelona players, but it is true that Yamal has done what makes him deserving of it with Barca.”

Laporta ended by praising Rodri’s decision to support Yamal in the Ballon d’Or debate.

“He is a very sensible and mature man. He is a leader,” Laporta said. “For him to have this position regarding the award says a lot about him.”