Lamine Yamal receives huge Ballon d’Or backing from Spain teammate Nico Williams: ‘Anyone who understands football…’ | OneFootball

Nico Williams has backed his close friend Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or after the Barcelona forward produced another outstanding performance for Spain.

Yamal scored inside 75 seconds during Spain’s 4-1 victory over Croatia in Sevilla, following another early goal in the 2-1 win over England at Wembley on Saturday. 

The Barcelona teenager added another goal alter in the match to his growing collection of memorable performances for Spain, strengthening his case for the Ballon d’Or with voting already closed. 

For Nico, though, the discussion is not complicated. He believes Yamal’s quality makes him the obvious choice.

Nico Williams backs Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or

Nico was also on the scoresheet against Croatia and spoke about his Barcelona teammate after the final whistle.

Lamine Yamal scored twice against Croatia. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The Athletic Club winger revealed that he continues to encourage Yamal to focus on enjoying his football rather than allowing the Ballon d’Or conversation to affect him.

“I tell him to be himself and enjoy it. When he smiles, he plays better. He already shows it every day. The Ballon d’Or doesn’t depend on him, but if not now, then later.

Nico then went a step further, making his own view on the award clear.

“Anyone who understands football knows that Lamine Yamal should win the Ballon d’Or.

“I hope Lamine wins it. If you really know about football, and you really enjoy football, then you know Lamine is the best,” he said, as per Fabrizio Romano.

A great friendship

Yamal and Nico’s relationship has produced plenty of lighter moments away from the pitch.

Yamal’s latest prank on his Spanish teammate arrived recently when the two were travelling together in a small shuttle. 

The Barcelona forward noticed that his friend had a noticeably sweaty armpit and turned the situation into a joke.

Rather than letting the moment pass, Yamal filmed it and posted the clip on Instagram, tagging AXE in the process and giving the deodorant brand an unexpected mention.

The video quickly spread across social media, with fans enjoying the playful exchange between the two Spain internationals.