Lamine Yamal has responded calmly to the growing Ballon d’Or debate involving Kylian Mbappé, insisting that he has no intention of campaigning for the individual award despite believing his season speaks for itself.
The Barcelona star also opened up about his happiness, his growing leadership role, Barcelona’s Champions League ambitions and the importance of pressing in modern football.
Yamal refuses to campaign for Ballon d’Or
Mbappé has made no secret of his belief that he deserves the 2026 Ballon d’Or, but Yamal has taken a different approach to the individual award.
“I won't be begging to win anything. The Ballon d’Or is not up to me; it's up to you. We had a great year with Barça and the national team,” Yamal said.
The 19 year old was equally relaxed when asked about Mbappé’s comments.
“I don't think I need that. I won't try to convince you that I'm the one who deserves the award, as everyone has the right to see things the way they want.”
Rather than trying to influence voters, Yamal pointed to what he achieved with Barcelona and Spain.
“I'm proud of the season I delivered with my team and with the national team. We were crowned world champions, and we won the league again, and I couldn't ask for more than that.”
His comments match the wider tone of his press conference, where he said he believes his performances give him a chance but does not feel the need to campaign for votes.
“I've never been happier”
Yamal also addressed questions about his mood and suggestions that he has sometimes looked unhappy on the pitch.
The Barcelona winger dismissed those concerns, explaining that his facial expressions can depend on the circumstances of a particular match.
“I'm very happy, I've never been happier. I won the World Cup, and treated myself to a great vacation. Long faces? Depends on the day — but against Elche, it was very hot,” Yamal said.
The youngster explained that his expression during the Elche game was largely down to the demanding conditions rather than frustration or unhappiness.
He has therefore made it clear that there is no underlying issue behind his occasional serious expression.
As he put it, he has just won the World Cup and enjoyed what he described as a great holiday.
Yamal embraces Barcelona captaincy at 19
Yamal is also entering the new season with increased responsibility after being selected as one of Barcelona's captains.
Despite being only 19, the youngster understands the importance of the role and wants to prove he can handle the responsibility.
“It's a pride to be a captain; it makes me responsible, and I have to thank my colleagues who chose me. I'm 19 years old, but I want to show that I’m up to the mark.”
His appointment reflects how quickly his influence has grown inside the Barcelona dressing room.
Rather than allowing the extra responsibility to weigh on him, Yamal appears determined to use it as another opportunity to help the team.
Champions League is the biggest motivation
While the Ballon d’Or continues to dominate discussions around Yamal, the Barcelona winger made it clear that his biggest motivation is a team trophy.
“I think there's no greater motivation than winning the Champions League,” he said.
“The whole team is motivated to achieve that. Here in Barcelona, we always think about the Champions League, because it's the most prestigious competition, and maybe this will be our year.”
Yamal also highlighted the quality Barcelona have added to their squad, pointing to players such as Rodri, Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Gabriel and João.
The message from the teenager is clear... individual recognition is welcome, but winning Europe's biggest club competition remains the priority.
“If we want to win, we have to run”
Yamal also spoke strongly about the importance of pressing and defensive work from every player.
“At PSG, everyone presses, and here at Barcelona, we're also trying to have everyone press. I might lose focus sometimes, but I quickly get back to pressing.”
He believes modern football leaves no room for players to switch off when their team is without the ball.
“In modern football, if you don't run, any team will outpace you, no matter who you are or what your name is.”
“If we don't run tomorrow, they'll beat us. In the end, it's about the team's best interest; if we want to win, we have to run, and if we don't, we'll lose, it's that simple.”
That mentality could prove particularly important as Barcelona attempts to compete on several fronts this season.
Yamal keeps Real Madrid talk simple
The Barcelona star was also asked about Real Madrid's recent struggles and the ongoing debate around refereeing.
“If they [Real] haven't won La Liga in two years, that's their problem, I don't know. We're very happy with the refereeing and everything else. These questions, you should ask them.”
Yamal showed little interest in turning the question into another rivalry headline, instead leaving Real Madrid to deal with their own situation.
“I'm not afraid to be a substitute”
Despite becoming one of Barcelona's most important players, Yamal insists he is prepared to accept whatever decision Hansi Flick makes.
“I'm not afraid to be a substitute; we have great players. If the coach thinks I have to be, then I will be.”
It is a notably relaxed response from a player whose importance to Barcelona has grown enormously at such a young age.
For Yamal, the focus appears to be on contributing to the team rather than demanding special treatment.
At 19, he is already balancing Ballon d’Or expectations, captaincy, international success, and the pressure of leading Barcelona towards another major trophy.
But if his latest comments are anything to go by, Yamal is enjoying the moment rather than feeling overwhelmed by it.