Lamine Yamal plays down Ballon d’Or debate after starring for Spain

Lamine Yamal has played down the debate over who will win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying he is focused on performing for himself, his supporters and Spain rather than on individual recognition.

The young Barcelona forward produced one of his finest performances for the national team on Tuesday, scoring twice and providing an assist as Spain beat Croatia 4-1 in the Nations League at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Yamal opened the scoring with a finish into the near corner, beating Croatia goalkeeper Livakovic, his Barcelona team-mate. Asked about the goal, he said he had used his knowledge of the goalkeeper from training.

“I know him from training,” Yamal said. “I thought about the training sessions and what he does, and then the ball went into the net.”

Spain maintained control of the match and secured a convincing victory, with Yamal making a decisive contribution. Speaking after the game, as reported by Marca, he said the team had followed the manager’s instructions from the outset.

“We must always be fully focused from the beginning, committed to the manager’s instructions and to what we discuss among ourselves,” he said. “I am very happy with this victory.”

The Ballon d’Or vote has already closed, but Yamal rejected the idea that his performances were driven solely by the prospect of winning the award.

“I do not play only for this Ballon d’Or,” he said. “I play for myself, for the fans, for next season and for my country, so that we can continue achieving victories.”

When asked whether his display had moved him closer to the prize, Yamal said he had no information about the result.

“I don’t know. I don’t vote, and I don’t know who has won. I know nothing,” he said. “I just have to wait and keep playing.”

The 17-year-old also made clear that he is enjoying his current form and situation. His performance against Croatia came after he had already described this period as the happiest stage of his career.

“I already said before the Feyenoord match that this is the moment when I feel happiest, and I am really enjoying it,” he said.

Yamal’s two goals and assist helped Spain complete a 4-1 win over Croatia in the Nations League, while also providing another high-profile display from the Barcelona player on the international stage.