Lamine Yamal said that not winning the Ballon d'Or was beneficial because it provided him with motivation and hunger for future success.
The perspective from the Barcelona and Spain prodigy highlights the psychological pressure facing young stars in elite football. By framing a loss as a catalyst for growth, Yamal signals a shift in his mental approach toward the sport's highest individual honors.
Yamal acknowledged that he had expected a different outcome regarding the trophy. "I thought I was going to win," Yamal said.
Despite the initial disappointment, the player believes the experience aided his development. He noted that the outcome helped him maintain a drive to improve his game, a drive he intends to carry into the next cycle of international competition.
Yamal specifically mentioned the role of other players in this process. "Looking back, I think it was very good for me that Dembélé won it," Yamal said.
This mindset is now focused on the 2026 [1] World Cup. Yamal believes the hunger resulting from the missed award will help him chase glory on the world stage and beyond.
The young forward continues to be a central figure for both his club and national team. By embracing the disappointment of the award cycle, he has positioned himself to enter the next major tournament with a specific objective to succeed where he previously fell short.
“"I thought I was going to win."”
Yamal's comments reflect a strategic mental pivot common among elite athletes, where perceived failure is rebranded as 'hunger.' By targeting the 2026 World Cup, Yamal is aligning his personal ambition with the global football calendar, suggesting that he views individual accolades as secondary to team success on the world's largest stage.
