Laporta says Yamal’s Ballon d’Or moment will come as Barcelona recover from defeat

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has backed Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or in the future, insisting the teenager already deserved to receive football’s most prestigious individual award.

Speaking after leaving London, Laporta also defended Barcelona following their defeat by Real Madrid and praised the club’s achievements during an evening that included notable success for the women’s team, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

“I am convinced that he will win the Ballon d’Or. I do not know when, but he deserved it,” Laporta said of Yamal.

The Barcelona forward did not claim the main men’s award, but he was named the world’s best young player for the third consecutive year.

Laporta urged Yamal and the club to respond positively to the voting result, saying it should provide motivation rather than disappointment.

“In my view, he did enough to win the Ballon d’Or, but the voters decided in this way and we must accept that in a sporting manner,” he said.

“I hope this will motivate him personally, and I am sure it will. All his team-mates will help him overcome this disappointment quickly.”

Laporta also highlighted the significance of Yamal’s achievement and called for the player to continue receiving support.

“We must give him love and support because he deserves it,” he added.

“This is unique. Lamine achieved it from the age of 16, and it is an accomplishment that deserves recognition. He deserves everything, and we will all help him become even more motivated to win this award next year.”

Laporta remains confident after El Clasico defeat

Laporta said Barcelona must accept their loss to Real Madrid with the same sporting attitude, while keeping their objectives for the season firmly in view.

The club president believes the setback can help the team identify and correct its mistakes rather than undermine its progress.

“We must accept the defeat in a sporting manner and use it as motivation to move forward. Our ambitions for this season have not changed,” Laporta said.

He pointed to Barcelona’s strong start to the campaign and said the club would continue working in the same way.

“We started the season very well and we will continue along the same path. I am certain of that,” he added.

Laporta also offered his support to manager Hansi Flick, saying the German had already assessed what happened in the defeat.

“This loss will help us learn from our mistakes and improve the areas where we need to develop,” Laporta said.

“The truth is that I am still proud of my players and my manager, and Barcelona supporters can feel reassured.”

The accompanying schedule information lists Barcelona against Deportivo Alaves in La Liga on 31 October 2026. It also lists Czechia against Spain in the Nations League – Pathway One on 12 November 2026.