Flick: Yamal will win the Ballon d'Or one day

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has said that young starlet Lamine Yamal will one day win the Ballon d'Or for the best player in the world. Yamal remains a leading candidate to win the prestigious award at the ceremony, which will be held next Monday in the French capital, Paris. "Lamine will win this award one day," Flick said at a press conference at Barcelona's training base on Saturday. Yamal, 18, contributed to Barcelona winning the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles, and reaching the Champions League semi-finals last season. He also played a significant role in Spain's triumph at Euro 2024. Yamal is nominated for the Ballon d'Or along with his three Barcelona teammates: Raphinha, Pedri, and Robert Lewandowski. Paris Saint-Germain striker Ousmane Dembélé is the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or after his significant contribution to his team's Champions League triumph. Flick, meanwhile, remains a candidate to win the award for the best coach in the world. Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati is one of six players competing for the award, having already won it in 2023 and 2024. "I feel very appreciated to be at this ceremony. Whoever wins the award will deserve it," Glick stressed. "I want to enjoy the ceremony and also respect the other winners. It's very important to me." Real Madrid did not attend last year's ceremony after learning that star player Vinicius Junior would not win the Ballon d'Or, which went to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.