“Looking back, I think it was very good for me that Dembélé won it” — Lamine Yamal turns Ballon d’Or heartbreak into hunger for 2026 glory | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal has said the disappointment of missing out on the Ballon d'Or has had a positive impact on his development.

Yamal finished as runner-up to Paris Saint-Germain forwardOusmane Dembele for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, after helping Barcelona to a La Liga and Copa del Rey double last season.

The 18-year-old would have become the youngest-ever recipient of football's most prestigious individual award, surpassing the record of Ronaldo, who was 21 years old when he won his first Ballon d'Or in 1997.

Yamal is considered to be among the contenders again for the 2026 prize, after another Spanish title with Barcelona. The teenager will also lead Spain's campaign at theWorld Cup this summer, where the European champions will aim to add the trophy to their Euro 2024 success.

Reflecting on last year's disappointment, Yamal believes it has helped him 'grow' this season, after a campaign in which he provided 27 goals and assists in just 28 La Liga appearances. He was named La Liga Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign.

The winger has said his Ballon d'Or snub has kept him hungry to improve and has his sights set on challenging for the 2026 award.

Barcelona teenager Yamal believes Ballon d'Or snub has benefitted his growth

“I thought I was going to win it that day in 2025 because of many things that happened. Looking back, I think it was very good for me that Dembélé won it,"he said.

“Beyond helping me grow personally, I don’t think it was the right time for me to win it because I was still a kid and probably wouldn’t have appreciated what it really means to win a Ballon d’Or. Let’s see if this year is mine!”.

Yamal and Spain face Peru in the final World Cup warm-up game tomorrow, before opening the tournament against Cape Verde on June 15th. La Roja also face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in the group stages.