Lamine Yamal sets Ballon d'Or criteria: entertainment over statistics

Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal has said the Ballon d'Or should honour the exceptional player fans watch matches for, not just goal scorers.

• Yamal told French newspaper L'Équipe the award should go to the exceptional player whom audiences follow matches to see, citing Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho as examples.
• He said selecting the winner should not be tied to goal counts or other statistics.
• Yamal said his playing style is his strongest attribute, setting him apart from other candidates.
• He said combining individual and collective achievements, including the World Cup with Spain, makes him a strong candidate.