Barcelona’s hierarchy has entered the Ballon d’Or debate with unprecedented vigor. President Joan Laporta, speaking at a club gathering, declared his desire to see 17‑year‑old winger Lamine Yamal crowned the world’s best player, even if it means eclipsing Paris Saint‑Germain’s Kylian Mbappé. “I would love if Lamine wins the Ballon d’Or. I think he deserves it,” Laporta said, underscoring the teenager’s rapid rise and the club’s confidence in his talent. The president’s remarks arrive as Barcelona enjoy a strong start to the La Liga campaign, positioning themselves as the league’s new benchmark.
Laporta’s comments were not limited to praise. He seized the moment to criticize Real Madrid, suggesting that the capital club’s recent actions were “inconceivable” and that certain parties were being “re‑qualified by land while others were forbidden to play in their stadium.” The veiled rebuke reflects a growing rivalry off the pitch, as both clubs vie for the narrative surrounding the sport’s most coveted individual award. By framing the debate as a clash of philosophies, Laporta positioned Barcelona as the moral counter‑weight to Madrid’s perceived machinations.
The president’s endorsement is already resonating throughout the Catalan locker room. Veteran defender Eric García went further, insisting that “the Ballon d’Or podium should consist of Barcelona players” and naming Yamal as the standout candidate. Support is also trickling in from former club figures and external voices. Former Real Madrid manager, now a neutral observer, has publicly backed Yamal, while former Germany coach Hansi Flick and Barcelona vice‑president Rafa Yuste have added their names to the chorus. This broad spectrum of backing signals a coordinated campaign to elevate Yamal’s profile on the global stage.
Laporta tempered his enthusiasm with a reminder of football’s grounded realities. “You have to keep your feet on the ground. Goals are achieved by working and we will do so,” he warned, acknowledging that individual accolades must be matched by collective performance. He hinted that Barcelona possess “two or three players per position,” suggesting depth that could sustain a title challenge while nurturing Yamal’s development. The president’s balanced message aims to keep the squad focused on league objectives while still championing the teenager’s personal ambitions.
As the season progresses, the narrative surrounding the Ballon d’Or will likely intensify. Barcelona’s
