Spain Coach Luis de la Fuente Encourages Lamine Yamal to Stay Humble Amid Ballon d’Or Buzz

Spain’s national team head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has expressed strong confidence that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal will win the Ballon d’Or during his career.

He also urged the young player to remain humble as he continues to develop his skills. Speaking to the media, the 63-year-old emphasized that the 17-year-old has a bright future ahead.

“He [Lamine Yamal] is a player with a great future, but he’s still developing,” he said (via Tribal Football).

“It’s a process, to deserve the Ballon d’Or. There are other very good players too.

“I don’t know if he’ll win it this 2025, but I’m sure he’ll win it. We’ve to analyse his rivals.”

Yamal is set to compete for the 2025 Ballon d’Or alongside stars like his teammate Raphinha, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele, and others.

Last season, he scored 18 goals and delivered 25 assists across all competitions, helping Barcelona secure both the LaLiga title and the Copa del Rey.