Sports
Abelardo Fernández, former Barcelona and Spain national team star, has criticized young player Lamine Yamal's statements regarding his entitlement to the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. Fernández deemed Yamal's comments about deserving the award ill-advised and potentially damaging to his image. In remarks reported by the Spanish newspaper "Marca" during his appearance on the "Radio Estadio Noche" program, Abelardo addressed Yamal's assertion that he sees himself as one of the leading candidates for the Ballon d'Or this year. Yamal had stated he believed he deserved the award based on the titles and achievements he secured last season, also placing himself and France's Kylian Mbappé among the world's top players. Expressing his opinion, Abelardo said: "You can think it, but you cannot say it. I don't think that's good; it makes you look bad." The former Barcelona star explained Yamal could have expressed his ambition more discreetly, adding: "You might be among the favorites, but you never know who wins these awards." Abelardo stressed his disapproval, citing Argentinian legend Lionel Messi: "I never heard Messi, who was the god of football, say that." These criticisms emerge amidst intense competition for the Ballon d'Or. The list features prominent football stars like Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Rodri, Ousmane Dembélé, and Erling Haaland, plus others who shone last season and with their national teams in 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Notably, Messi, an eight-time winner, remains on the list despite his advanced age, while current holder Ousmane Dembélé re-enters the race to defend his award.
