Lamine Yamal says Ballon d’Or should reward the player who entertains most

Lamine Yamal has made a confident case for the Ballon d’Or, saying the award should go to the player who gives supporters the greatest enjoyment and insisting that few players in European football play like him.

The 19-year-old Barcelona and Spain winger is among the leading contenders for this year’s prize, which is due to be presented on Monday, 26 October at the London Palladium. With the race intensifying during the current international break, Yamal has once again publicly argued that he deserves to win.

Asked why he should receive the award in an interview with Spanish broadcaster Teledeporte, carried by Mundo Deportivo, Yamal pointed to his style, personality and the entertainment value he brings to matches.

“It is because of my way of playing and my personality at the moment in European football,” he said.

“Messi will always be present and people will always enjoy watching him. There are few players who play like me and make you enjoy the game in this way, and I feel that.”

Yamal added: “That is my aim. That is why Neymar was my idol. The Ballon d’Or is given to the best player – the player you enjoy watching more than anyone else, the outstanding player. That is what sets me apart.”

His comments reflect a belief that the award should recognise more than goals, statistics and individual numbers. For Yamal, the defining quality is the ability to entertain audiences and leave a lasting impression through the way the game is played.

Teledeporte also summarised his position on social media with the statement: “No one in European football enjoys it as I do,” saying Yamal believes he deserves the Ballon d’Or.

The Barcelona forward’s candidacy is not based solely on his own assessment. He is reported to have strong backing within both the Barcelona dressing room and the Spain squad.

Raphinha and Rodri have supported his claim, while recent comments from Anthony Gordon and Nico Williams have also pointed to the Barcelona number 10 as the most deserving candidate this year.

Voting for the award closes on Monday, 28 September. Yamal will therefore have one final opportunity to influence voters when Spain face England at Wembley on Saturday.

In theory, that match should not count towards the award’s criteria, which are assessed up to and including the World Cup final. However, recent experience suggests that the final impressions left by leading contenders can often prove influential in voters’ minds before they submit their choices.