Flick names Barça star Yamal as Ballon d'Or favourite
Hansi Flick said after FC Barcelona's Champions League opener that the 19‑year‑old Barça star Lamine Yamal deserves the Ballon d’Or, after he provided two assists against the Dutch side Feyenoord Rotterdam, scored from a free kick, and took over the captain's armband after Raphinha's substitution.
Raphinha dominates, Yamal shines
With his brace, Raphinha was in the spotlight during the 5‑1 victory over Feyenoord Rotterdam, a moment captured by LAGO/GettyImages. His two goals set the early tempo of the game and made the Barca fans rejoice. The match marked Barcelona's kickoff in this season's Champions League.
The Barça youngster Yamal not only recorded two assists against the Dutch, but also scored from a free kick, with the Feyenoord wall playing a major role. Since he took over the captain's armband after Raphinha's substitution, it was his first goal as Barça captain. His precise crosses created numerous scoring chances for the Catalans.
Coach and president praise Yamal
"I think he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or," Hansi Flick said after the final whistle about Yamal. "He is an extraordinary player. You can see that in every game. He is something special. There is no one who matches him, and I think he has earned it."
"He is spectacular. He has extraordinary qualities, he is a genius, and I think his Ballon d’Or nomination is more than deserved. He has flair and maturity, fantastic for his age," Joan Laporta gushed. He hopes Yamal will be crowned the new Ballon d’Or winner on October 26.
Through his nomination, Yamal becomes the first player in history who, before turning 20, has already been nominated for the Ballon d’Or three times. In his previous nominations he finished eighth and second. In the past season he won the Spanish league with Barcelona and the European Championship with Spain.
Should he receive the award, he would break Ronaldo's record, who has been the youngest winner so far. This would make him the youngest Ballon d’Or winner of all time.