Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal faced the media ahead of the Champions League clash against Feyenoord, delivering a wide-ranging press conference that touched on his happiness, captaincy, Ballon d’Or prospects, and the team’s ambitions for the season.
Champions League the ‘big objective’
Yamal made clear that Europe’s premier club competition remains the primary target for Hansi Flick’s side.
“It’s the big objective, there’s no greater motivation. We’re all motivated. We have it in our heads. It’s the most special tournament. This year it could be with the players who have arrived, Gordon, Rodri, Adeyemi, Joao…”
The teenager emphasized the collective drive within the squad, reiterating: “The Champions League is the big objective, we are all very motivated.”
Pride in the captain’s armband
At just 19, Yamal has already worn the captain’s armband for Barcelona, a responsibility he embraces.
“It is a source of pride to be captain of Barça at 19 years old. I am grateful to my teammates for choosing me. I am 19 years old but I want to live up to it. I am happy. It makes me feel responsible. I will give my best for the team.”
He also praised the leadership group around him: “Rapha is an incredible captain, and Eric, Pedri… I learn from them to always seek what is best for the team.”
Ballon d’Or talk and campaign stance
Asked about individual accolades, Yamal acknowledged his chances but refused to engage in self-promotion.
“It doesn’t depend on me, it depends on you. The work with Barça and the national team has been incredible. I have options, I had a great year. But we’ll see.”
On the idea of a media campaign for the award, he was blunt: “I don’t think I need to campaign. Everyone can think whatever they want. I’m proud of what I’ve done and I can’t ask for more. It’s your job, I won’t beg for anything.” He later repeated the sentiment: “I don’t think I need to campaign to win the Ballon d’Or.”
Pressing, growth, and squad competition
Yamal addressed the tactical demands of the modern game, citing Paris Saint-Germain as an example of collective pressing.
“In title-winning teams, like PSG, everyone presses. You have to run, no matter who you are. If you don’t run, you lose.”
On personal development, he said: “Collectively, titles and the Champions League. And individually, improve. I’m young. That’s my objective.”
Regarding competition for places and the possibility of being a substitute, Yamal showed maturity: “It doesn’t scare me, there are great players. I’m prepared to be a substitute. It doesn’t scare me.” He later reinforced: “I’m not afraid of being a substitute.”
On his physical growth, he added: “I think that when you grow up, you don’t realize it. I’m a ‘kid’ and I’m growing, but I’m not two meters tall. I’m shorter than Cubarsí or Bernal. I’m like everyone else.”
Relationship with teammates and rivals
Yamal spoke warmly of his connections within the squad, particularly Fermín López and Dani Olmo: “They are tremendous players, I feel comfortable with them and get on great with them, although they are different.”
Asked about Real Madrid’s recent trophy drought, he deflected: “If they have gone two years without winning, that is their problem. We are happy with the refereeing. That’s a question for them. I see them as happy.” He earlier framed it similarly: “If Real Madrid have gone two years without winning, that’s their problem; I see them as happy.”
‘Vacation of my life’ and happiness
Addressing speculation about his mood during the off-season, Yamal was unequivocal.
“I’m very happy, I don’t know why there was so much talk. I had the vacation of my life. At no point have I been happier than I am now.”
He summarized the feeling again: “I had the vacation of my life, I’ve never been happier.”
Dembélé and the Ballon d’Or debate
On Ousmane Dembélé declining to name a Ballon d’Or favorite, Yamal downplayed any tension.
“He’s a friend of Kylian’s… I don’t care. I’m very happy with the year I’ve had. When I’ve faced both of them, I’ve won. I get along very well with Ousmane. Everyone has seen my year, if he hasn’t…”
He reiterated: “Dembélé is a friend of Kylian… I am very happy with the year I have had.”
Grounded by family and respect for Xavi
Yamal credited his environment for keeping him level-headed: “I’m in a locker room with people who have done more than me. Then I’m with my family, who keep my feet on the ground.”
He also had kind words for his former coach: “He is a great coach. I have great affection for him, I hope things go well for him, except against Spain.”
