Ballon d'Or 2026: Hansi Flick pleased with Lamine Yamal's reaction

Considered one of the favorites in the race for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, Lamine Yamal finished third in the rankings behind Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé.

At a press conference on Friday, Blaugrana coach Hans-Dieter Flick praised the Spanish international's reaction after this disappointment. "Kane also deserved to win it. You know my opinion of Lamine: I think he has what it takes to win this trophy. I told him that, as well as the team. (...) But I am very proud of Lamine," said the coach.

A champion's reaction

Hansi Flick saw in Lamine Yamal a maturity worthy of a star and a true champion.

"He reacted very well, and what I see in training is that he is very focused. This is how champions react; I am very happy that he is continuing in this vein, with this state of mind. We accept it. I am pleased that it is over and that we can focus on things that are very important to us," added the coach of FC Barcelona.

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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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