We live in a generation where the football industry is obsessed with individual accolades, where every performance counts for Ballon d’Or worthiness. Barcelona’s 17-year-old starlet Lamine has chosen a different path, one that was followed by Barcelona’s legend, Lionel Messi. Messi never used to think about individual trophies in particular; he believed football is a team sport and a team’s success should be prioritized. Lamine is also on the same page and believes the team is more important, if the team performs individual awards will automatically come your way.
The young winger, who held the world on his feet after a dazzling 2024/2025 campaign that included 18 goals, 25 assists, and a domestic treble with FC Barcelona, is undeniably among the favorites for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. But when Lamine was asked about the buzz surrounding his Balon d’Or chances especially after PSG’s Ousmane Dembele was one of the names who got the spotlight after PSG’s recent Champions League success, Lamine gave a mature reply.
Lamine replied:
“I don’t think about the Ballon d’Or; I think you will end up badly if you only think about that.” “I think about winning trophies. Imagine if I win the World Cup and the UCL next year, then the Ballon d’Or will come by itself. But the most important thing is to enjoy football.” Credits: SportsBible
This kind of maturity by a teenager is rare in today’s world. While media and headlines ensure they compare individuals with each other firing up rivalries, Lamine’s reply is a reminder that football is not just about stats or trophies. It’s about the team and the way you enjoy yourself on the field.
Dembele’s Rise
Dembele was nowhere to be seen in the Balon d’Or debate before January. PSG was not performing in the Champions League and barely qualified for the play-offs. In January, Luis Enrique shifted him to a False 9 position, which allowed him the freedom to contribute more. Dembele scored 33 goals and provided 12 assists this season, the majority coming after January. Following PSG’s Champions League triumph over Inter Milan, Dembele became one of the favorites to win the Balon d’Or. PSG won the quadruple this season including the domestic trophies.
Lamine’s Mindset
While people put Dembele on the list for a minor master-class season, Lamine’s perspective is as follows.
“If Thursday doesn’t go the way I want or Dembele wants, then what? You’re voting for someone else who plays on Sunday? I’m the kind of person who votes for the best player over the whole year. But if people want to risk it all on one game, well… we can play that game then.” Credits: SportsBible
Lamine is a personality who never backs out from a challenge.
In the Euros 2024, before the semi-final game against France, French midfielder Rabiot gave an interview.
Here is what he said: “Lamine Yamal will have to prove more if he wants to reach the final.” He made a taunt at Lamine before the game. Lamine posted a story on his Instagram handle, a few hours before the game. Lamine then made a brilliant response on the field, which humbled Rabiot. The main reason this goal went viral was, because when Lamine made the goal, Rabiot was the one who was in front of him. Rabiot was supposed to block the shot, but Lamine stunned him. People usually go and watch this brilliant goal again and again because how is it possible for a 16-year-old to make that finish at the biggest stage possible.
