2026 Ballon d'Or: Hansi Flick opens up on Barça's plan for Yamal

Hansi Flick appeared at a press conference this Tuesday ahead of tomorrow's La Liga match against Santander.

When asked if FC Barcelona is running a campaign to support Lamine Yamal for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, he replied: "And why not? He is our player, and we support our players. That’s always been the case. I support players who have self-confidence, and right now, we are playing well. They are our players, and I see what they bring to training every day. Of course, I can support them without any issue."

On the same subject, Hansi Flick added: "Of course, it’s not easy to answer that question, because I can only speak for Lamine, not Mbappé. I think Lamine is sincere and confident. He shows just how good he is; he is exceptional. Perhaps I would have preferred things to be different, but he says it. He says he wants to win the Ballon d’Or. It’s very important to him. He feels that way, and we have to accept it. I will support him."

The former Germany manager then spoke enthusiastically about the young FC Barcelona star: "He is a young player. He is sincere and self-assured, and I appreciate that. He shows it on the pitch, too. We all want him to keep playing the way he does, and that stems from his self-confidence. That’s Lamine, and I’m going to support him because it’s incredible to have a player like him. If you think he deserves the Ballon d’Or, I think he deserves it too. He is an exceptional player." "I know there are many top-level players, and that has to be taken into account. But I’ll be glad when it’s over (laughs)."

Finally, Flick also discussed the development of his winger, who is becoming increasingly decisive and has already tallied 7 goals and 2 assists in 6 matches this season. "I wouldn't say it’s easy. He has immense talent, but he’s also in peak form right now. He knows he can score, and it shows in matches. He’s creating more and more chances. His confidence in front of goal is spectacular. He’s in fantastic form and playing at a very high level. I always say: when you see him in training, you know what’s going to happen in the match. And I really like what I’m seeing in training right now."

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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