BARCELONA — Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has opened up about missing out on the 2025 Ballon d’Or, revealing a mature perspective on his runner-up finish behind Ousmane Dembélé. In a candid reflection on his career trajectory, the young star admitted that while he had high hopes of taking home the prestigious trophy last year, the outcome may have been for the best.

A Mature Perspective on Ambition

Yamal, who was a strong contender during a breakout 2025 campaign, stated that his perspective has shifted with time. "I thought I was going to win it that day in 2025 because of many things that happened," he shared. However, he quickly pivoted to a more measured view: "Looking back, I think it was very good for me that Dembélé won it."

The Spaniard emphasized that his youth played a significant role in his acceptance of the result. "Beyond helping me grow personally, I don’t think it was the right time for me to win it because I was still a kid and probably wouldn’t have appreciated what it really means to win a Ballon d’Or," Yamal explained.

Eyes on the 2026 Trophy

Having refined his game and matured further on the pitch, Yamal is now turning his full attention to the current year. With the 2026 edition of the award on the horizon, the Barcelona forward is optimistic about his chances. "Let’s see if this year is mine!" he added, signaling his intent to compete at the highest level once again.

Yamal’s comments have been well-received by fans and pundits, who see the admission as a sign of his growing professional maturity. As he continues to be a cornerstone of the Barcelona attack, all eyes will be on whether he can maintain the form necessary to secure the golden ball in 2026.