Sports
Lamine Yamal says he plays for love, not money, and targets the Ballon d'Or
September 26, 2026 at 11:57 AM
Coverage
2 reports · 1 in Arabic, 1 in English · over 4 hours
In an interview with The Guardian, Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal discussed Spain's World Cup triumph, his bond with Lionel Messi, and his Ballon d'Or ambitions.
- Yamal said he plays for fun, not money, and that players who obsess over goals or assists do not enjoy football.
- Yamal said he told Lionel Messi "thank you for everything you gave football" after Spain's World Cup final win over Argentina.
- Yamal said he asked his father to remove a baby photo with Messi to avoid comparisons, declaring he wanted to be Lamine, not Messi.
- Yamal said he has been at Ballon d'Or-winning level for more than a year and will keep winning until there is no debate.