Yamal: I'll never play for Real, Ballon d'Or should go to best player this year

During Spain’s national team training camp, Lamine Yamal was interviewed by COPE Radio. In the preview content released by COPE, Yamal discussed topics such as the Ballon d’Or and his picks for the best players in each position in the Champions League. He also made it clear that he could never play for Real Madrid.

Would you ever play for Real Madrid?

“No, never. Impossible.”

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On the Ballon d’Or:

“I don’t think about winning the Ballon d’Or. I just focus on enjoying the game and playing well. If it’s meant to happen, it will come naturally.”

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Some say you and Dembélé (Spain vs France) will battle for the Ballon d’Or on Thursday. If you were voting, would you give it to the winner of Thursday’s game or to the best player over the entire year?

“I’d vote for the one who performed best throughout the year. But if you insist we’re deciding it on Thursday, then let’s go head-to-head. I’d give it to the best performer of the whole year—and I’d choose myself (y me lo guardo para mí, meaning ‘I’d keep it for myself’).”

“My friends send me negative content from short video platforms 20 minutes before matches, because they know it motivates me.”

For example: “Before the match against France, I was sleeping on the team bus, and a friend called me and said, ‘Remember what Rabiot said about you.’ I told him, ‘Of course I remember.’”

“I can feel that defenders are starting to respect me more.”

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On Barcelona:

“We’re making progress, but we need to believe that we’re the best. When Real Madrid lost the first leg against Arsenal, people still believed they could come back. But when we drew against Inter in the first leg, people already started doubting us. That mindset needs to change.”

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Yamal’s Champions League Best XI (in his mind):

• Best goalkeeper: Donnarumma

• Best defender: Pacho

• Best midfielders: Pedri and Vitinha

• Best forward: Raphinha

• Best coach: Luis Enrique