The Ballon D’or is a very recognizable award in the world of football and is particularly special for FC Barcelona. Many of the awards most iconic winners have belonged to the Catalan club, and for understandable reasons. Both then and now, Barcelona has always housed some of the world’s finest players.
Even now, in a state of financial limitation and with various restrictions imposed, La Blaugrana do not stray away from having some of the best players in world football. This year’s Ballon D’or shortlist, for example, includes two players from FC Barcelona as well.
One of those two players is Dani Olmo, whose spectacular season with both RB Leipzig and the Euro-winning Spanish National team earned him that placement. The other is none other than Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona prodigy who excelled with both his club as well as with the same Spanish National team that triumphed in the Euros.
As a result of this placement as the youngest ever nominee for the Ballon D’or, Lamine Yamal’s interview with France Football was also released. In this conversation, the Barcelona wonderkid revealed several things such as who his idol is in the sport as well as revealing why he is not afraid to take on bigger opponents.
However, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, the La Masia prodigy also revealed what his goal is when it comes to his own career despite being compared to Lionel Messi, and also shared that challenge motivates him more than finding things to be easier:
“I always prefer when things are more challenging. I’d rather not play if it’s too easy.“
As for what his own aspirations are with his career, Yamal says he wants to carve out his own path despite being compared to a legendary icon of the game:
“For me, the most important thing is to leave a legacy, to have your career. Being compared to Leo is significant because it means you’re doing things right. Obviously, it doesn’t bother me, but I always try to be myself.”
For now, Yamal’s focus will once again have to be on the Spanish National team. The Barça star is currently on leave during the international break and fans of the club may have to wait until midway through September to see the team’s number ‘19’ feature for La Blaugrana again this season.
