Sport
Gavi Says If Yamal Doesn’t Win Ballon d’Or This Year He Will Win Many in the Future
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Gavi has thrown his full support behind his young teammate Lamine Yamal, saying the rising star has what it takes to win multiple Ballon d’Or titles in the years ahead, even if he doesn’t clinch the 2025 award.
Yamal, just 18, had a standout season under new Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, playing a key role in helping the club lift both the LaLiga trophy and the Copa del Rey. While the official Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed in September, Yamal is already being mentioned alongside big names like Kylian Mbappe, Mohamed Salah, Vitinha, Ousmane Dembele, Pedri, and Raphinha as one of the top contenders.
Speaking about Yamal’s chances, Gavi said, “I really hope he wins. But even if he doesn’t, he’s only 18. Being among the best at this age is special on its own. I’m proud of him.” Gavi went on to praise the young winger’s attitude and growth, saying, “He’s an amazing player. Every day he keeps improving. He’s a joy to watch, even in training. With his mindset, I have no doubt he’ll win many Ballon d’Or awards in the future.”
Former footballer Thierry Henry has shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s match following their loss to Atlético Madrid on October 13.
Speaking during a brief interview on CBS Sports, Henry criticised the practice of players or coaches expressing certain opinions through the media instead of addressing issues directly within the dressing room.
“I’m not a coach anymore, but I always say, whoever speaks like that, out. Keep that in the dressing room, it’s as simple as that,” Henry said on CBS Sports.
“That is the only way it can work. You have to say those things to a person’s face… going through the press, I am not really a fan of that.”
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has shared his thoughts on the 2026 Ballon d’Or award, revealing that he hopes the winner will come from his team.
The manager spoke about how hard his players have worked and expressed his belief that they deserve the recognition.
“What I hope is that we win this trophy. We have players who deserve it.”
“Last year, we were the best team. We showed that it wasn’t just Ousmane Dembélé who deserved it.”
French football pundit Walid Acherchour has named Lamine Yamal as his pick to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, sparking reactions among football fans.
Acherchour’s choice came as a surprise to some fans, who expected him to support fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappé instead.
Speaking about his prediction, Acherchour expressed confidence in Yamal’s chances of winning the prestigious individual award.
“For me, Lamine Yamal, he is going to get it [2026 Ballon d’Or]. For me, there’s no doubt anymore,” Acherchour said, as quoted by Actu Foot. That start to the season shows that in fact, he was injured during the World Cup. He was the best player in La Liga, and he won the World Cup.
“Even if, for me, in fact, he doesn’t have the Ballon d’Or unanimously because his World Cup was average, even being average, he won it with Spain. He won La Liga with Barça.”
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