The most resounding 'no': Lamine Yamal and his message to Real Madrid

Lamine Yamal is, without a doubt, the player of the moment in the world of football. The winger of FC Barcelona, currently concentrated with the Spanish national team to play the 'semis' of the UEFA Nations League, where 'La Roja' will face France next Thursday, June 5 at 9:00 p.m. (CET), gave an interview to Cadena COPE in which he spoke about various issues, both personal and related to the current affairs of Barcelona.

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One of the most forceful statements of the young talent occurred when asked if, at some point in his career, he would see himself playing for Real Madrid. A team to which he has already demonstrated his scoring ability this season, with three goals, consolidating himself as one of his favorite victims. Lamine was blunt:

"Real Madrid? No. Impossible? Impossible. Forget about it? He nods."

Ballon d'Or: an objective or a consequence?

He was also questioned about his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or, an award for which some already position him as a favorite along with players such as Raphinha or Ousmane Dembélé. The young 'jewel' responded with maturity: "I don't think about the Ballon d'Or, I think about winning. If next year I win the Champions League and the World Cup, it will come... You have to enjoy it and let it come when it has to come," he explained.

However, given the interviewer's insistence, who asked him if the duel against France could be decisive in the fight for the award against Dembélé, the right winger left an interesting reflection: "If you had to give the Ballon d'Or, who would you give it to: the one who wins on Thursday or the best player of the year? I would vote for the best of the year, but if you want to play it on Thursday, we'll play it. I would give it to the best of the year... and I'll keep it to myself," he remarked with a laugh.

Change of mentality and respect from rivals

Lamine Yamal also confessed that he feels greater respect from rival defenders: "I notice that the defenders have more respect for me." He also took the opportunity to send a message of self-confidence to the culés, appealing for a change of mentality:

"We are improving, but we have to believe that we are the best. When Real Madrid lost against Arsenal, people thought they could come back. And when we drew against Inter, people doubted. That is what needs to be changed."

THE BEST PLAYERS OF THE 2024/25 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ACCORDING TO LAMINE YAMAL:

1. Best goalkeeper: Donnarumma
2. Best defender: Pacho
3. Best midfielders: Pedri and Vitinha
4. Best forward: Raphinha
5. Best coach: Luis Enrique

How he manages media pressure

Despite his young age, Lamine Yamal is already accustomed to the media spotlight. Even so, he confessed that his friends send him some messages that serve as motivation:

"My friends send me bad things on TikTok 20 minutes before the games, they know that motivates me."

And he recalled a striking example, before a match against France in the European Championship: "I was sleeping on the bus and a friend called me to say: 'Remember what Rabiot told you'. And I said to him: 'Yes, I remember'. During the match I crossed a look with him and I remembered perfectly," he concluded.