“I always say the same thing to mum” - Lamine Yamal makes Ballon d'Or statement after getting the better of Ousmane Dembele in Nations League
Speaking about his Ballon d'Or chances after Spain's 5-4 win over France on Thursday (June 5), Lamine Yamal said the motivation to give it all keeps him going in every game. The Spanish teenager revealed that it was something he always told his mother, as he believes it is more important to talk the talk on the pitch than in the media.
Speaking to RTVE after Spain beat France in the UEFA Nations League semifinal, Yamal praised Ousmane Dembele, another Ballon d'Or contender. The 17-year-old said (via ESPN):
"I always say the same thing to mum, that I try to give my all. That is what motivates me and what gets me up in the morning. It is why I play football. It's always best to speak on the pitch. Dembelé's a great player, we saw that in the Champions League, but I am happy that we're the ones in the final.”
Yamal had issued a showdown challenge to Dembele ahead of the game, saying (via ESPN):
"Who do you vote for: the best player this season or whoever wins the game on Thursday? For me, it's the best player across the whole year, but everyone sees it their own way. I am confident we will win Thursday, but whether we win or not, I would vote for the best player over the whole year."
"If on Thursday, it doesn't go as me or Dembelé want, then who do you vote for? Someone playing on Sunday [in the final]? For me, it's based on the whole year, but if people want to put it all on Thursday, then let's play," he added.
Lamine Yamal scored twice on Thursday, while Dembele failed to get on the scoresheet. Spain secured a 5-4 win over France to reach the UEFA Nations League final, where they will face Portugal on Sunday (June 8).
Lamine Yamal bakced for Ballon d'Or by Spain boss
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente spoke to RTVE after their 5-4 win over France and backed Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d'Or this year. The 63-year-old opined that the Spaniard showed his prowess in the match and that he is the best player in the world. De La Fuente said (via ESPN):
"Lamine Yamal has made a statement tonight and shown that he should win the Ballon d'Or. He's the best player in the world and, in my opinion, of course, he deserves to win the Ballon d'Or."
Lamine Yamal is among the front runners for the coveted award, along with Ousmane Dembele, Mohamed Salah, and Raphinha. Kylian Mbappe has also been mentioned in the race, but the Real Madrid star did not win a major trophy with the club in the 2024-25 season.