Bayern Munich’s Eberl backs Michael Olise for Ballon d’Or after Lamine Yamal comments

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has suggested the world’s best players should not need promotional campaigns to win the Ballon d’Or, in an apparent response to Lamine Yamal’s recent comments about the award.

Eberl made the remarks after Bayern’s 7-0 victory over Union Berlin on Friday, telling reporters in the mixed zone that Michael Olise should also be considered among the leading candidates for football’s most prestigious individual prize.

Asked about Barcelona forward Yamal’s latest comments, Eberl said: “The best players are those who do not need a promotional campaign.”

He then highlighted the performance of Olise, who scored a hat-trick in the emphatic win over the Berlin club.

“For me, Michael Olise is also one of the candidates for the Ballon d’Or,” Eberl added. “He is one of the best players in the world.”

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Eberl’s comments came after Yamal discussed the criteria he believes should determine the winner of the award. The Barcelona player’s argument was seen as favouring his own prospects in the ongoing debate.

Yamal had said that the number of goals should not be decisive, despite the importance Bayern Munich officials have placed on Harry Kane’s goalscoring record when backing the Bayern forward.

In an interview with Movistar Plus, Yamal said: “I think the Ballon d’Or should go to the best player in the world, nothing more. Not to a player who scored 80 goals, because if you score 80 goals, you win the award for the top scorer of the year. The two things are completely different, and people do not understand that.”

He explained that the best player should be identified through the impact they have on those watching a match, rather than solely through their statistics.

“The best player in the world is the one you watch during a match as a commentator and enjoy watching; you see him and think: this player is clearly different from everyone else,” Yamal said.

Eberl’s endorsement of Olise followed a decisive contribution from the France international in Bayern’s victory. His three goals formed part of a seven-goal performance that strengthened his case in the debate, while Eberl used the occasion to make clear that he views the winger as a serious Ballon d’Or contender.