Lamine Yamal embraces Ballon d'Or spotlight ahead of Spain–France Nations League semifinal

The 17-year-old Barcelona star is coming off a breakout season in which he scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists in 55 appearances, helping his club secure a domestic treble. Teammates Raphinha and Dembele have also entered the Ballon d'Or conversation, with the latter gaining momentum after playing a key role in Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph.

"Who do you vote for - the best player this season or whoever wins the game on Thursday?" Yamal told COPE. "For me, it's the best player across the whole year… but if people want to put it all on Thursday, then let's play."

Despite the buzz, Yamal downplayed the personal significance of the award, reiterating that long-term goals like winning the Champions League and the World Cup in 2026 remain his top priorities.

"I don't think about the Ballon d'Or," he said. "I think about playing and winning. If I win the Champions League and the World Cup, it will come."

Yamal also revealed how outside criticism fuels him, referencing comments made by Adrien Rabiot ahead of last year's European Championship semifinal - a match in which Yamal scored as Spain beat France 2–1.

"My friends send me stuff before matches - good or bad - because they know it motivates me," Yamal explained. "Before that game, they reminded me what Rabiot said. It got me going."

Barça and Spain teammate Pau Cubarsi echoed that sentiment: "Lamine likes to shut mouths. If you mess with him, you just make him more determined."

Spain and France meet Thursday in Stuttgart, with the winner set to face either Portugal or Germany in the Nations League final on Sunday.