- Yamal asked if he deserves Ballon d'Or
- Interviewer references 'jerk' Ronaldo
- Teenager staying grounded over chances
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Getty'People said he was a jerk' - Lamine Yamal avoids following in Cristiano Ronaldo's footsteps as Barcelona star grilled on Ballon d'Or hopes
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
Pro
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers an unlimited private email relay plus an unlimited number of shared aliases and 20 custom domains, ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator, and ExpressAI, an AI assistant that offers 500 credits a day, six AI models, a web search facility plus 2GB storage.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save around 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 67%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for five days in 150+ destinations.
Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
Basic
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.
Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
Advanced
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.
Over 28 monthsSave 73%
Getty Images SportWHAT LAMINE YAMAL SAID
Yamal was quick to respond with a diplomatic answer. He told El Partizado de COPE: "I don't think about it. You'll be in trouble if you think about winning the Ballon d'Or. You think about playing, winning, and it will come. If I win the Champions League and the World Cup next year, it will come. It's about enjoying it and letting it come when it has to."
Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Still to celebrate his 18th birthday, Yamal played a huge role in Barcelona securing a La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana domestic treble in 2024-25. His 43 combined goals and assists, his all-round starring role and the fact that he is still of school age, has made made the youngster a Ballon d'Or contender. However, there is stiff competition from Barcelona team-mate Raphinha, Liverpool hero Mohamed Salah and Paris Saint-Germain talisman Ousmane Dembele for when the prize is handed out in September.
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
In the coming days, Yamal could win his second international trophy with Spain in as many summers. Following on from Euro 2024 last year, La Roja are up against France in a UEFA Nations League semi-final on June 5 and could then play either Germany or Portugal in the final three days later if successful. It is unlikely to boost his Ballon d'Or credentials, though, with it not being viewed as prestigiously as other international competitions. He also won't be participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, which means it will be difficult to topple Dembele in particular in the Ballon d'Or battle.
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