FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has expressed full confidence that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal will turn the disappointment of missing out on the 2025 Ballon d’Or award into fuel for even greater achievements.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga fixture, Flick addressed questions surrounding Yamal’s reaction to the prestigious award, which was presented earlier this week in Paris.
“Of course, Lamine is a competitor and naturally he wanted to be recognized,” Flick said. “But for a young player like him, this is only the beginning. Sometimes a setback like this is the best motivation to keep improving. He has the mentality to respond in the right way.”
At just 18 years old, Yamal has already established himself as one of world football’s brightest talents. Over the past season, the forward delivered standout performances in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and for the Spanish national team, earning widespread praise and a Ballon d’Or nomination.
Despite narrowly missing out on the award, Flick emphasized that the nomination itself is a sign of Yamal’s meteoric rise and a testament to his impact on the global stage.
“The fact that he was even in the conversation at such a young age shows his extraordinary quality,” Flick added. “The Ballon d’Or will come if he keeps working. Right now, what matters is his development and helping the team win.”
Flick also reiterated that Barcelona’s primary focus remains collective success as the club pursues titles domestically and in Europe.
“Individual awards are special, but here at Barça we always think of the team first,” the coach said. “Lamine understands that. His drive will now be to help us win trophies—and that’s the best answer anyone can give.”