Bayern director rebuts Yamal's Ballon d'Or remarks on campaign‑free greatness

In a quiet office at Bayern Munich, sports director Max Eberl responded to Barcelona forward and Spain international Lamín Yamal’s outspoken view on the Ballon d'Or. The exchange was reported on the 18th by German media Sky, citing journalist Kelly Howe.

Yamal’s definition of the award

Yamal argued that the Ballon d'Or should honour the world’s best player, not merely the top scorer, insisting that “people do not understand that the award is completely different from the golden boot.” He added that the prize should return to rewarding a player who makes observers think, “this player is unlike anyone else.”

Bayern’s measured reply

Eberl countered that “some campaigning is inevitable, but the greatest players are those who do not need it.” He suggested Yamal’s comments echo a broader debate sparked by Kylian Mbappé’s claim of being the best player.

Harry Kane, who also won the golden shoe last season, declined to comment directly, saying he prefers to let his play speak for him and praised Yamal as a “great player” among many worthy candidates.