Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or rise shaped by setbacks and Busquets’ warning

Lamine Yamal is regarded as the leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or ahead of the ceremony at London’s Palladium on October 26. The Barcelona forward is narrowly ahead of Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and could become the youngest winner in the award’s history.

At 19, Yamal has already helped Barcelona win La Liga and Spain secure a second World Cup this summer. His previous campaign brought 42 goal involvements in 45 appearances, while his current club season has begun with eight goals and six assists in eight matches.

His rise has included a serious setback. In 2023, Yamal received a three-week suspension from Spain’s Under-17 team after a disciplinary breach. Sergio Busquets then confronted him at Barcelona and warned that greater recognition also required greater responsibility. Yamal later said the exchange frightened him and changed his attitude.

Since then, the forward has focused entirely on training, matches and recovery. Three years after Busquets’ intervention, Yamal has celebrated Euro 2024 and World Cup success with Spain, alongside three La Liga titles and two Spanish Super Cups.

Yamal also scored four times during the latest international break, including against England. Barcelona return on Saturday, October 10, at home to Getafe. Hansi Flick said Yamal is already close to the world’s highest level and could become the best player on the planet if he maintains his progress and mentality.

ColdMath take

Yamal’s next test comes against Getafe on October 10, with his form continuing to strengthen his case before the October 26 ceremony. Flick’s assessment also places clear responsibility on the teenager to maintain his discipline, recovery and development.

For Barcelona, his consistency remains central to the team’s attack as the club resumes domestic action after the international break.