Lamine Yamal has given one of the most revealing interviews of his young career, sitting down with Movistar's Universo Valdano after days of teaser clips built anticipation. The Barcelona forward touched on his personality, the Ballon d'Or debate, his World Cup experience, racism, and where he sees himself in the pecking order of the world's best players.
The headline moment came when Yamal was asked who deserved this year's Ballon d'Or. "I sincerely think there are two best players in the world," he said. "And this year I would deserve it for what I've won. Mbappé and I are the best in the world. Everyone who watches the matches knows it. We have a direct duel and I've beaten him in everything. He has scored many goals, but that's why he won the Pichichi."
On the Ballon d'Or criteria
Yamal argued the award is being judged by the wrong standards these days. "This award is being evaluated differently. When Messi and Cristiano were around, everyone knew they were the best, so there was no debate. The problem is people are judging things that aren't Ballon d'Or criteria, like saying it should go to a PSG player because he won the Champions League."
He was clear about what he thinks should matter instead: "That award should be given to the best player in the world, period. Not to a player who scored 80 goals because when you score that many you get the Pichichi. The best player in the world is the one you enjoy watching during a match, a player unlike any other."
He also pushed back on tying the award to the World Cup, despite Spain's triumph. "I don't think one competition should determine the award. But the coincidence is that I am on the national team that won the World Cup. If England had won it I would still say Mbappé and I are the best."
Messi's World Cup and his own disappointment
Asked about Lionel Messi's tournament, Yamal didn't hesitate. "Although everyone knows he's the greatest in history, no one expected such a legendary performance. For me Argentina has good players, but Leo is superior. For me he was the best player of the World Cup."
Yamal was more critical of his own display, distancing his mood from the injury he picked up. "I wasn't happy after winning the World Cup. The injury has nothing to do with it. Although I did many things people didn't see, I wasn't satisfied with myself. I know another player with my performance would have had a great World Cup, but I could have done more. I'm eager for the next one."
Ambition, ego and leadership
The 19-year-old, who has taken on a captain's role for Barcelona, explained how the responsibility landed on him. "Teammates are the ones who give you the step to become a leader. And yes, I notice it, because the team always looks to me for answers in difficult moments. I'm very grateful that it's like that."
He also defended the value of self-belief, provided it's kept in check. "I believe having a well-controlled ego is a good thing. But only when it's controlled. Because it helps the whole team. I always want teammates who think they are the best."
On his hunger going forward, he insisted success hasn't dulled his edge: "People think that because I've won things I'll relax. But I still have many things to achieve in football history."
Barcelona's targets and Europe's contenders
Looking at Barcelona's ambitions in the Champions League, Yamal said the club's history demands nothing less. "In the end we are Barça and we've had some of the best teams in history. I think it's fine to be obsessed with the Champions League. It would be cowardly to only aim for LaLiga. The day we face Inter again things could change."
Asked which team he sees as the biggest threat this season, he pointed to PSG. "I'd say PSG. Because it's very difficult to win after you've already won. For me that's the hardest thing. Bayern is a very good team. With Madrid we've never faced them but I'd love to cross paths. Arsenal is similar to us but I think we are better."
Racism and its toll
Yamal spoke candidly about experiencing racism throughout his career. "Yes. A thousand times. People are indirectly racist, but they might not realize it. There are many comments, looks that are racist and they don't notice." He referenced a widely seen clip of abuse directed at him at the Bernabéu: "That person calling me 'negro' won't bother me at all. It's wrong, but I'm not going to stop playing a match people paid to see me because I'm angry."
He called for stronger action from authorities. "I think things are being done, but they should be more serious with some decisions. A person who is seen by children, if there is racism, everyone sees it and the appropriate measures should be taken. I would only change the form of the punishment, because it's something that can't be tolerated."
On his own roots, Yamal reflected on visiting Morocco as a child. "When I first went to Morocco, I didn't understand anything, I only spoke Spanish. I saw how hard it is to adapt. And that helps you. I feel very fortunate."
