Ballon d’Or: Lamine Yamal’s uncle criticises Harry Kane’s decision

Lamine Yamal, the 19‑year‑old winger, finished third at the Ballon d’Or gala, but his uncle Abdul said afterwards that awarding it to Harry Kane was a serious mistake. In an interview he criticised the decision and called it a scandal.

Abdul Yamal speaks in the interview

In the radio station "El Larguero" Abdul Yamal said: "I am sad. I don't understand anything. Something is not right." He continued: "They always say: Lamine is very young, he is 19 years old, he will win even more, but Harry only has three days of football left, and we are giving him the ball."

The uncle added: "He has played an incredible season. He scores goals that no one else scores. Passes, assists, everything. If you like football, you go to Lamine, not to Harry Kane."

Yamal's season and awards

Yamal won the Spanish LaLiga, the Supercup and was part of the Spanish World Cup team in the 2025/26 season, although an injury at the end of the league limited his impact in the tournament. For his performances he received the Kopa award as the best young player at the gala.

Despite these successes he was denied the main award; behind Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé he ended up in third place. The English striker scored 73 goals for club and national team and thus became the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Ballon d’Or.

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Abdul Yamal further predicted that his nephew would win five Ballon d’Or awards. He emphasised: "My nephew is the best player in the world, everyone knows that. If you are a football fan, you have to watch Lamine, not Harry Kane."

The Spanish national coach Luis de la Fuente, who was crowned best coach after the World Cup win, supported the view that Yamal just needs time to claim the Ballon d’Or. He said: "We know what potential he has, and he will still be rewarded."

The ceremony took place in London, where Ronaldo presented the trophy to Harry Kane. Kane thanked France Football and the voters in his speech, highlighted the tough competition and wished his team much success.

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Abdul Yamal, however, remains unconvinced. His passionate protest on Spanish television has not triggered an official response, so the debate about the fairness of the decision continues.