Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal has set his sights on securing several Ballon d’Or awards as he goes head-to-head with the likes of Ousmane Dembele for the prestigious award.
In what has been a successful year for Yamal, the Barcelona youngster is in the race to claim the most coveted individual honour in world football this year. Yamal helped Barcelona regain the La Liga crown and reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals during the 2024/25 campaign.
Yamal has now revealed that he dreams of winning several Ballon d’Or awards during his career.
Lamine Yamal is set to go head-to-head with Ousmane Dembele for the Ballon d’Or award. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
“I told my friends I don’t dream of winning one Ballon d’Or, I dream of winning many,” he said during an appearance on the Resonancia de Corazon podcast.
“I think I’m a player who has the ability to win it, and if I don’t, it’s because I haven’t done things right or because I haven’t wanted to.
“So, I dream of winning the Ballon d’Or many times and when the day comes [that I win it], I’ll be very happy.”
Yamal’s closest rival for this year’s award is Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele.
The French forward fulfilled the high expectations placed on him when he first burst on the scene with Borussia Dortmund, after last season transitioning from a winger to a false No. 9 under Luis Enrique.
While Yamal enjoyed a sensational season for his club in 2024/25, scoring 18 goals and providing 25 assists across all competitions, Dembele produced 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions.
Dembele also helped his side claim Ligue 1 and their first ever UEFA Champions League title, as well as the Coupe de France, UEFA Super Cup and Trophee des Champions.
Despite being tipped for so many individual honours, Yamal insists he is prioritising winning trophies with his club and country.
“I just want to keep winning,” he added. “I want to win with my club and with the national team.”
Yamal has already inspired Spain to a European Championship, and now he looks set to be a key player for them at next summer’s FIFA World Cup.
