LaLiga President Claims Lamine Barcelona-Lamine-Yamals-Verletzung-Flicks-schwere-Vorwuerfe-gegen-Spaniens-Verband.html” title=”FC …: Lamine Yamals Verletzung – Flicks schwere … – WELT”>Yamal‘s Age Cost Him Golden Ball
PARIS – LaLiga President Javier Tebas believes Lamine Yamal, 16, lost out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or due to his youth, with the award instead going to Lionel Messi. Tebas stated that had Yamal been older, he would have secured the prestigious prize. Yamal did receive the Kopa trophy,awarded to the best under-21 player.
The assertion comes after Messi claimed his record eighth Golden Ball, sparking debate over the merits of age versus achievement in individual football accolades. Tebas suggested that messi’s age was a factor in the decision, stating, “if I had more than 23 years, I would have won it, I am sure, but as you were younger, they gave him the other (the Kopa trophy).” This highlights a perceived bias towards experience in the voting process, potentially impacting future awards as young talents continue to rise in prominence.
Barcelona President Joan Laporta offered a different perspective, attributing the outcome to the Champions League. Ousmane Dembélé, who finished third in Ballon d’Or voting, lead Paris Saint-Germain to a treble including their first Champions League title, alongside winning Ligue 1 and the France Cup. He scored 35 goals in 53 games across all competitions.
Yamal, in contrast, scored 18 goals in 55 games for Barcelona, helping the club win LaLiga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the copa del Rey, but Barcelona fell in the Champions League semifinals to Inter Milan. Despite missing out on the Golden Ball, Yamal has already broken records, including becoming the youngest scorer in LaLiga history and the youngest player to participate in a Eurocup. He was named Best Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 after helping Spain win the title.
Tebas remains confident in Yamal’s future success,predicting,”If you continue at the level,which seems likely,I think there is no doubt that you will win the Golden Ball.” Yamal himself stated upon receiving the Kopa Trophy that he intends to “continue working to win other awards in the future.”
