Yamal vows to keep building after Ballon d’Or disappointment

Lamine Yamal says he is confident his opportunity to win the Ballon d’Or will come after finishing third in this year’s voting, with the Barcelona forward insisting he will continue working without rushing his progress.

The 18-year-old addressed his followers on Instagram the day after the awards ceremony, which ended with Harry Kane winning the prize. Yamal wrote: “Everything will come in its own time, as good things need time. I trust the path I am building. Without rushing, with enthusiasm and a calmness that comes from believing my moment will come one day.”

He also congratulated the winners before turning his attention back to Barcelona’s immediate priorities.

“Congratulations to the winners. My focus now returns to what is important, which is getting Barcelona back on the road to victories,” he added.

Yamal continues rise in Ballon d’Or rankings

Yamal collected the world’s best young player award for the third consecutive time, but his ambition had been focused on claiming the Ballon d’Or itself.

The Barcelona player had believed winning the World Cup would give him a genuine chance of taking the main award. His disappointment was visible when Kane was announced as the winner, but the message he posted the following day reflected his determination to keep working and wait for another opportunity.

Yamal has already established an impressive record in the Ballon d’Or race. He finished runner-up in the previous edition, behind Ousmane Dembele, before taking third place in the latest voting.

Barcelona’s next listed La Liga fixture is against Deportivo Alaves on 31 October 2026.

Teammates offer support

Yamal’s message prompted support from current and former teammates, who responded with encouragement after he missed out on the top prize.

Fermin Lopez commented: “It will come, and it will come more than once. I am always with you.”

Inigo Martinez also sent a message to the Barcelona forward, writing: “There are talents that do not need awards to prove their worth.”

Yamal received further backing from his partner, Ines Garcia, who posted a longer message expressing her belief in his ability.

“Hard work is always rewarded in the end. Your effort and ambition go hand in hand every day. We trust you and believe in you completely. You are the best and the whole world will realise that in the end. I love you, my love, and I will always remain by your side with all my strength,” she wrote.

Yamal’s response underlined his intention to use the disappointment as motivation, while keeping his attention on helping Barcelona return to winning ways in La Liga.