Barça suffered two setbacks in recent days: a painful defeat against Real Madrid in their own stadium and the fact that the Ballon d'Or for the 2023-24 season was awarded to English striker HarryKane. The young LamineYamal, who has been awarded three consecutive times as the best young talent, was disappointed to see that his name, along with that of KylianMbappé, was just behind the winner.
According to the jury made up of 73 journalists, Kane won the award after scoring 73 goals in 65 games, a figure that positioned him as the most outstanding player of the season. Of the top ten places in the voting, eight were forwards, with the sole exception of midfielders Rodri and Fabián, both starters for the Spanish team that won the World Cup. Unlike England, which did not even reach the final of the most important tournament of the year, the Englishman was crowned champion of the most prestigious football competition.
Yamal, 19, has been considered by many to be one of the best footballers in the world, along with Mbappé. However, the young Barça forward recognizes that he still lacks something to reach Kane's level. In his own words, Yamal must continue to strive and not let himself be discouraged by not being at the top, demonstrating his quality match after match.
The Ballon d'Or is an award that has been won by players of different ages; Messi, for example, won his first title at the age of 22. Yamal, at 19, has already accumulated the same number of awards as Vinicius and Mbappé, but he knows that great recognition still awaits him. With the mentality of a player like Rocafonda, Yamal will not stop until the world recognizes him as the best.
The future of the young Frenchman is outlined with great expectations. While he continues to develop at Barça and continues to achieve triumphs at the club and national team level, Yamal is preparing for the next edition of the Ballon d'Or, with the firm conviction that his talent and dedication will take him to the top of world football.