In an interview with
El Mundo DeportivoRobert Lewandowski lent himself to the prediction game for the next Ballon d'Or. A distinction he knows well, he who was very close to winning in 2020 – year canceled due to pandemic – and who finished dolphin of Lionel Messi in 2021. This time, it will not be for him. But for others, everything seems possible, especially in his own locker room. To the question of which most deserves the trophy between Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé, the Barça striker did not hesitate long.
Golden Ball: Lewandowski votes Yamal
For Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal impresses with her calm and maturity, despite her young age. “”
He's head of a 23 -year -old player, not 17, ”
he launches, admiring. He salutes his regularity, his intelligence of play, and his influence in key moments. “I have never seen a player who, at this age, without rest, plays a whole season mentally as Lamine did”bored Lewy.
For the Polish, Yamal is not just a prodigy, he is an already ready player, capable of turning the most important matches. Behind the scenes, all of Barça seems to be mobilized to help him shine during the World Cup, a decisive showcase for the Ballon d'Or.
“If I see it winning the Ballon d'Or?” Yes, it has an opportunity, of course, but in the Ballon d'Or, there are also other things that are very important. It depends on the rules in force this year. Each year, there are different rules. It depends on whoever they want and what are the rules for this season ”, he added.
Barça: Lewandowski puts everything on Yamal
Dembélé, the other serious pretender
But Ousmane Dembélé is not to be outdone. Author of a dazzling end of the season, the PSG winger made an impression, especially during the Champions League final. Lewandowski recognizes the rise of French, admitting that he “Has reached another level”. The duel therefore promises to be open. If Dembélé retains his momentum, he will be a formidable candidate, especially since his media influence continues to grow from the European coronation of PSG.
By evoking the Ballon d'Or, the former Bavarian knows what he is talking about. Himself long shunned by the supreme distinction, he sees in Yamal's youth a gentle revenge on fate. At 36, the Pole will probably never be so close to the trophy again. But he hopes to see him come back in the hands of a Barça teammate. And this ambition is also anchored in a collective will: to wear Yamal to the summit to, perhaps, turn a page of history.
Barcelona wants to transform the momentum into consecration
While the World Cup is approaching, Barcelona knows that the international scene can offer Yamal or another a launch ramp towards individual glory. Lewandowski knows it, experience counts, but the moment too. And for Yamal as for Dembélé, the coming weeks will be decisive. The duel is launched.
