FC Barcelona players Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsi publicly endorsed teammate Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or, while addressing competition from rivals like Harry Kane in interviews with Mundo Deportivo and RAC 1.
Teammates Publicly Campaign for Ballon d’Or Bid
Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsi have thrown their full support behind Lamine Yamal in the race for football’s most prestigious individual prize. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo and RAC 1, Lopez stated that Yamal is his definitive choice for the award after watching his performances firsthand.
“For me, definitely. I see him every year, he is spectacular and he had an incredible year at Barca,” Lopez said. Cubarsi echoed that sentiment, noting that Yamal’s open campaign for the honor is well-earned. “I understand that he is campaigning. He deserves it the most and hopefully he wins it,” Cubarsi told the outlets.
Weighing World Cup Challenges and Rival Contenders
Yamal’s path to the favorite status has included subtle digs at Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane alongside his own public backing. Lopez acknowledged Kane’s strong case while maintaining his stance on his club teammate.
“Kane is also a great player and will certainly be in the top three. I hope Lamine can win,” Lopez said. The midfielder also addressed Yamal’s physical state during international duty, explaining that a previous injury limited the young forward’s output at the World Cup. Despite not showing his best version on that stage, Yamal still emerged as a world champion, leading Lopez to insist, “I think he deserves it.”
Unrealized Shirt Tribute Highlights Close Friendship
Beyond the pitch, the campaign highlights a close personal bond between Lopez and Yamal. Lopez missed the World Cup due to an injury, prompting Yamal to prepare a special shirt under his kit to reveal as a goal celebration dedicated to his friend.
Because Yamal did not score during the specific match, the gesture remained unseen until a photographer later informed Lopez. “The gesture is what counts, because his photographer told me. It is a very nice detail that unfortunately did not happen,” Lopez said. On the pitch, Lopez added that their connection benefits the squad tactically: “He is a friend. I try to make it easy for him and use the spaces because he draws many opponents towards him.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who backed Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or?
FC Barcelona teammates Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsi publicly endorsed Yamal in interviews with Mundo Deportivo and RAC 1.
What did Fermin Lopez say about Harry Kane?
Lopez acknowledged that Kane is a great player who will likely finish in the top three for the award.
Why did Yamal’s tribute shirt go unseen?
Yamal prepared a shirt under his kit to dedicate a potential goal to the injured Fermin Lopez, but he did not score during the match.
Join the Conversation
What do you think of Lamine Yamal’s chances for the Ballon d’Or? Share your thoughts in the comments below and subscribe to our newsletter for more FC Barcelona updates.
Keep reading