Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s manager, announced on Tuesday that he endorses Lamine Yamal’s quest for the Ballon d’Or, pointing to the 19-year-old’s “self-confidence” in all settings.

Yamal, a World Cup and La Liga winner with Spain and Barcelona respectively, declared on Sunday that he merits the individual prize.

Speaking to Movistar, he named himself and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid as the globe’s finest two players, insisting his collective triumphs should make him the leading candidate ahead of the October 26 decision.

“I think he’s honest, has the self-confidence and shows in the beginning of the season how good he is,” Flick told reporters.

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With seven goals across his last four appearances, Yamal has been instrumental in Barcelona’s unblemished start to the season. Flick noted that, though he would have preferred the youngster avoid public comments on the matter, he regards it as a natural extension of his confidence.

“He’s exceptional and it’s a part of this… I would not prefer this, but he’s doing this. He has self-confidence, he wants to win the Ballon d’Or, as a player it’s an important thing. He’s honest, it’s his feeling and we have to accept it. I will support him of course.”

WITH INPUTS FROM AFP

Published on Sep 15, 2026