Spanish national team coach picks his Ballon d’Or favourite – “He’s still a kid” | OneFootball

Apart from Barcelona fans and coaches, Spanish national team manager Luis de la Fuente has been arguably one of the biggest supporters of Lamine Yamal ever since his big breakthrough.

De la Fuente hasn’t shied away from giving chances to the teenage sensation and has constantly backed him in public.

Now, in a recent interview with El Larguero, de la Fuente has once again heaped praise on Yamal, even backing him to win the Ballon d’Or this month.

De la Fuente on Lamine Yamal

When asked about his Ballon d’Or pick, the Spanish national team coach made things very clear: “I would give the Ballon d’Or to a Spaniard, and I’d be happy if it went to Fabián or to Lamine Yamal.”

It must be noted that Yamal and Ousmane Dembele are currently the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or trophy this year, with both players coming on the back of a sensational 2024/25 campaign.

While there has been a lot of talk regarding Yamal’s off-the-pitch activities, de la Fuente reminded everyone that he is a hard worker.

All eyes on Yamal ahead of Ballon d’Or gala. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“One thing is what gets projected outward, and another is his inner world. He’s a kid who works in the gym, with the physio, with the nutritionist, psychological care,” he said.

De la Fuente added that Yamal has shown incredible maturity since making his debut for the Spanish national team.

“He started with us at 16 years old and has shown incredible maturity. He handles the pressure he’s under naturally and with admirable control,” he said.

Even at the age of just 18, Yamal has bagged 23 caps for La Roja, notably scoring six goals while mustering 12 assists.

“When I talk to him privately, of course, he’s still a kid, but I’m amazed at the reflections he makes. I’m glad he is that way,” de la Fuente added.

The Spanish coach backed Yamal to become one of the best players in the world, stating, “We talk, I like to stay close to him so that he feels calm and knows there’s open communication. Lamine Yamal has the potential to be the best in the world.“

But at a time when all the spotlight is on Yamal, especially heading into this month’s Ballon d’Or gala, de la Fuente also highlighted the quality of other Spanish stars, including Yamal’s teammate Pedri and Dani Olmo.

“But what about Mikel Merino, Fabián, Dani Olmo, or Pedri? They are the best players in their positions,” he concluded.