On September 22, Ousmane Dembélé was crowned during the 69th ceremony for handing over the Ballon d'Or. The Paris Saint-Germain player was thus ahead of his number one rival: Lamine Yamal. In Catalonia, teeth have grinned, even if the victory of a Dembélé passed by Barça for several seasons was also greeted. But for some of the Barcelona house, the Lamine Yamal classification was not satisfactory.
Former player and coach of FC Barcelona, Xavi gave his opinion on the subject and for him, the Spanish nugget should simply have finished at the top of the ranking. He confided in the columns of Marca. “This time the collective titles have weighed more. For me, he certainly deserved it. »» Without saying that Ooumane Dembélé should not have won the Ballon d'Or 2025, Xavi therefore took sides.
“Vitinha (it deserved) Also, (Mohamed)
Salah, Pedri, Raphinha … Many others deserved it but it was the trophies that finally made the difference. »» However, the former international wanted to be very optimistic for the future. “Lamine (Yamal) will win it, I am sure. But it will only be when his team wins the Champions League or a World Cup. »»
Lamine Yamal among elected officials, according to Xavi
In 2026, it is therefore a double opportunity that will appear at Lamine Yamal since his club is engaged in C1 and also because Spain should logically participate in the 2026 World Cup. Victorious of Euro 2024, Roja will count on its prodigy to carry it on the roof of the world a second time after the 2010 victory.
Xavi has full confidence in a Lamine Yamal he threw in the deep end when he trained Barça.
“I am very proud of what Lamine does (Yamal)
And to have offered him the opportunity to make his debut. I saw that he was ready despite his fifteen years. »And to conclude: “He is one of the elected officials and he can mark his imprint an era of world football. »» Sacred compliments.
