Barcelona vice president backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or: ‘Spectacle for everyone’ | OneFootball

The Ballon d’Or race this season is seemingly wide open, and for the first time in years, there is no clear frontrunner.

The Spanish national team squad, needless to say, stand as strong contenders for the accolade but no single player stood out for them in the event.

The other favourites likes Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise all fell short at the World Cup and also the UEFA Champions League.

From Barcelona’s perspective, only two players stand out as potential winners – Lamine Yamal and Rodri, and it is the former who seems to be the bigger favourite at this point in time.

Yuste backs Lamine

Speaking to the media (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Barcelona’s vice president Rafa Yuste opened up on the Ballon d’Or and how he felt Lamine Yamal was a truly deserving candidate for the award this year.

Lamine has the full backing of Barcelona in the Ballon d’Or race. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Praising the young winger and making a compelling case for him to win the award, Yuste said,

“For me, he is not only the most unbalancing player in world football, but also creates a spectacle for everyone.”

He also spoke on how Yamal’s age and the greatness he has achieved at such an early stage in his career also deserve to be recognised.

“He is decisive, in addition to the titles he has achieved at his age. And I say it with all the sincerity in the world.”

Earlier this week, Yamal himself came out to openly back himself for the award for the very first time. Yuste praised the player for his boldness, saying,

The potential winner. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“I really like that he said it, that means that he is committed to himself and to what he is giving to the world, which is a lot.”

“I repeat again, he is only 19 years old, and he knows he deserves it. This shows part of his personality, which due to his age, is very accentuated,” he added.

Finally, the vice president was asked about Barcelona’s upcoming clash against Racing Santander later today and what he made of the matchup.

“We have to go step by step, today try to continue winning with all humility and effort.”