Lamine Yamal will win the "Golden Ball". Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is sure of this, BTA reports. The Barcelona striker is among the leading candidates for the annual award for the best footballer in the world in Paris at the ceremony on Monday.
"One day we will see that Lamine will receive this trophy", said Flick. Yamal, who turned 18 in July, helped Barcelona win La Liga and the King's Cup last season and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. He also helped Spain win the European Championship in July 2024. Yamal is one of 30 nominees for the award, along with teammates Rafinha, Pedri and Robert Lewandowski.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele is considered the favorite after leading his team to its first Champions League title.
Flick is nominated for the Best Coach award.
"It's an honor for me to be there because we are nominated," Flick said. "We'll see. Everyone who has this trophy deserves the award. I want to enjoy this moment. I also want to show respect to the winners. For me, that's the most important thing."
Last year, Real Madrid did not attend the awards ceremony after learning that their star player Vinicius Junior would not win the award, which went to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.