Xavi explains why Barcelona star missed out on Ballon d’Or glory | OneFootball

The latest Ballon d’Or ceremony saw two players with strong ties to FC Barcelona claim the top two spots for football’s most prestigious individual award. Current Blaugrana sensation Lamine Yamal finished as the runner-up, while former Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele took home the Ballon d’Or after an outstanding season at PSG.

Both players had shared a dressing room at Barça under Xavi Hernandez, and for the former Barcelona coach, it was undoubtedly a moment of pride. In fact, it was Xavi himself who gave Yamal his debut with the Barcelona first team.

Speaking to Marca (h/t Mundo Deportivo), the former Barcelona manager explained why Yamal missed out on the Ballon d’Or this year and expressed confidence that his moment will arrive soon.

“This time, collective titles weighed more heavily. For me, of course, he deserved it. So did Vitinha, Salah, Pedri, and Raphinha… many players deserved it. But in the end, titles count more. Lamine will win it, I’m convinced — but when his team wins the Champions League or a World Cup.”

Xavi then recalled Yamal’s debut and the first impressions that made him realize he was witnessing something special:

“I feel very proud of what Lamine is doing and of having given him the chance to make his debut. I saw him as very prepared despite being fifteen. He was very confident, very capable, making a difference in training. He wasn’t afraid of anything. From the very first day, he stood out. For me, he’s one of the chosen ones and can define an era in world football. He has no complexes, no fear whatsoever.”

The former Barça midfielder admitted that Yamal’s potential was clear to everyone on his coaching staff from the beginning:

While Ousmane Dembele’s trophy-filled season ultimately swayed the Ballon d’Or voters, Xavi believes Lamine Yamal’s moment is inevitable.

After dazzling performances for both Barcelona and Spain over the past two years, the young winger is already proving that he belongs among the world’s elite. Once team success follows individual brilliance, as Xavi predicts, Yamal could soon be lifting the Ballon d’Or himself.