Sport
Ramon Planes Tells Lamine Yamal to Stay Focused and Not Rush Ballon d’Or Hype
Former Barcelona director Ramon Planes has sent a clear message to young star Lamine Yamal, urging him to stay grounded despite the growing hype around his name, especially talks of him winning the Ballon d’Or this year.
Planes, who once played a key role behind the scenes at Barça, believes the 17-year-old still has a long way to go before being crowned the world’s best. He stressed that while Yamal’s rise has been remarkable, fans and the media need to be careful not to pile unnecessary pressure on him.
“There’s no doubt about his talent, but the real challenge is staying at that level for years,” Planes told Mundo Deportivo, as shared by Barca Universal. “We have to protect him and let him grow at his own pace. If he keeps performing like this for seasons to come, then we can start talking about awards like the Ballon d’Or. But right now, patience is key.”
Yamal has been making headlines with his incredible performances for both Spain and Barcelona. The teenager played a huge role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and also helped Barça secure four trophies last season, including the LaLiga title, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana.
Since breaking into Barcelona’s senior team under Xavi Hernandez in April 2023 at just 15 years old, Yamal has consistently proven himself as one of football’s brightest young prospects. Last season, he racked up 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches across all competitions, leaving many convinced he deserves to be recognised among the best in the world.
But Planes insists it’s still early days for the young forward, and the football world must give him time to develop without overwhelming expectations.
Super Falcons player, Oluwatosin Demehin, has reportedly signed a contract extension with Galatasaray Club.
It can be recalled that the defender first joined the club during a free transfer that occurred in September 2024. The transfer was also noted to be for one year; however, it has now been reported that the player has signed an extension contract with the team.
Demehin made an appearance in 26 games and has a record of one goal while playing for Galatasaray.
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has opened up about his frustrations at the club, claiming that “promises have been broken” as he pushes for a move elsewhere. Liverpool recently had a major bid for the Swedish forward turned down by the Magpies, and with his future still uncertain, Isak has found himself sidelined by manager Eddie Howe.
After missing the PFA Awards on Tuesday, Isak broke his silence in a statement, saying, “I’ve stayed quiet for a long time while others spoke. That silence allowed people to share their version of events, even though it doesn’t reflect what was actually agreed behind closed doors”.
“Promises were made, and the club has known my position for a long time. Acting now as if these issues are just appearing is misleading. When trust is broken and promises are not kept, the relationship can’t continue. That’s where things stand for me right now, and why a change is the best move for everyone, not just me.”
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has made history by becoming the first Premier League player to win the PFA Footballer of the Year award. The Egyptian forward now joins the elite company of two-time winners like Gareth Bale, Thierry Henry, and Cristiano Ronaldo, but he’s the first to achieve this feat in the Premier League era.
Earlier this year, Salah also claimed the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year honor, cementing his incredible season. Salah’s campaign was nothing short of spectacular, netting 29 goals and providing 19 assists as Liverpool surged to the Premier League title.
He edged out teammates and rivals including Alexis Mac Allister, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Arsenal’s Declan Rice, and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. Reflecting on his achievement, Salah said, “Coming from Egypt and reaching this level, making history today, fills me with immense pride.”
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