Laporta claims Yamal won the Ballon d’Or, despite Kane

While the lights of the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris flashed brightly, FC Barcelona chairman Joan Laporta spoke candidly to the international press. He declared that Lamine Yamal deserved the award, despite Harry Kane receiving the trophy that evening.

Laporta indicated that, alongside Yamal, he also wishes Harry Kane the Ballon d’Or. He emphasized that there are still plenty of opportunities for the young Barca player.

Kane wins Ballon d’Or

Harry Kane received the Ballon d’Or on Monday evening after an excellent season with Bayern Munich and the English national team. The striker finished ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, who placed second and third respectively.

Yamal had previously won the Kopa Trophy, the award for the best talent of the year. The distinction underscored his status as an emerging star within Barcelona.

Lamine Yamal wins third Kopa Trophy at Ballon d'Or gala

“Lamine Yamal has consistently proven that he deserved the Ballon d’Or. Unfortunately, it was not to be,” Laporta told the assembled press.

He urged that Yamal should now be surrounded with love and support, as that is what the young player needs. According to Laporta, he can still win the award next year.

Laporta says Lamine Yamal deserved the Ballon d'Or

Yamal still finished well beyond third in the voting. The gap between Kane and second‑placed Mbappé was only a few votes.