Barcelona president Laporta: "Lamine has sufficiently proven his merits to be the Ballon d'Or winner, but it couldn't happen"

Laporta backed Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d'Or despite missing out this year, saying the winger deserves support and can win it next season.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta defended Lamine Yamal after the winger missed out on the Ballon d'Or award. Laporta said Yamal had "sufficiently proven his merits to be the Ballon d'Or winner" but acknowledged the award "couldn't happen" this year. He called for the club and supporters to "surround Lamine with love and support, for this is what he deserves," expressing confidence the young talent can win the prestigious individual award in the future.