'Every player wants to win the Ballon d'Or!' - Lamine Yamal admits he's 'hoping' to get 2025 Golden Ball nod after outstanding year with Barcelona

After a stellar campaign with Barcelona in 2024-25, in which he scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists in 55 matches across all competitions, Yamal is off to a fine start in the new season, as he has already racked up five goal contributions in the Blaugrana's first three La Liga matches. 

While away on international duty with Spain, Yamal admitted that he dreams of winning the Ballon d'Or and expressed his delight over his nomination for the Golden Ball this year. The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on September 22. 

Speaking to RTVE, the teenage attacker said: "As a team, winning the Champions League with Barça would be incredible, and individually, every player wants to win the Ballon d’Or, and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. Being there at 18 is something to be valued, and I hope it happens."

Yamal will be next seen in action for the Spain national team this Thursday as they take on Bulgaria in a World Cup qualifier. Their second qualifying game of the September international break is against Turkey on Sunday.