BARCELONA: Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has commended star teenager Lamine Yamal for the mature and focused way he handled missing out on the 2026 Ballon d’Or, declaring that the youngster reacted like a true “champion.”
For the second consecutive year, Yamal finished on the prestigious podium, placing behind Kylian Mbappé and eventual winner Harry Kane. Despite visible disappointment, Yamal graciously congratulated Kane, vowed that his time to win the award will come, and immediately redirected his focus toward helping Barcelona achieve team success.
Praise from the Coach: Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s weekend clash against Alavés, Flick expressed immense pride in his player. “I’m very proud of Lamine,” Flick said. “Because he reacted very good, in my opinion. And what I see also in the training, he’s very focused and this is the way how champions respond.”
While Yamal missed out on the main prize, he secured the Kopa Trophy for the world’s best young talent for the third year in a row. However, Yamal captured headlines by admitting he wished the accolade had gone to his Barcelona teammate, Pau Cubarsí. Flick praised this gesture, noting that Cubarsí fully deserved recognition following an incredible season and an excellent World Cup performance.
Although Flick admitted he isn’t a fan of players actively campaigning for individual awards, he fully supports Yamal’s relentless drive. Earlier this season, Flick did not hesitate to anoint Yamal as the best player in the world, asserting that he ultimately deserved the Ballon d’Or.
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