Barcelona coach Hansi Flick believes teenage sensation Lamine Yamal will only grow stronger after finishing runner-up to Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele in the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Yamal, 18, lost out at Monday’s ceremony in Paris but claimed the Kopa Trophy as the world’s best young player. Flick told reporters on Wednesday that the winger had taken the outcome in good faith and would use it as motivation for the future.
“I spoke with him yesterday, and I think he sees it the right way. It’s motivation for the next years,” said Flick. “Dembele deserved it also… Maybe next season Yamal will be an option for the Ballon d’Or.”
Yamal was instrumental last season as Barcelona swept La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. However, he will miss Thursday’s La Liga clash against Real Oviedo due to a groin problem. Despite his absence, Barca have managed recent wins against Valencia and Getafe.
Flick insisted he is confident in his squad: “I never think about which player we are missing. Every starting XI can win matches.”
The coach also addressed Gavi’s long-term absence. The 21-year-old midfielder underwent knee surgery on Tuesday and is expected to be out for four to five months, less than two years after a serious ligament injury kept him sidelined for almost a year.
“We have to take care of him. He has a huge career in the next 10 to 15 years,” Flick said. “He’s a player with a big heart and a lot of emotion. Everyone will support him until he’s back.”
What you should know
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage star, narrowly missed out on the 2025 Ballon d’Or but claimed the Kopa Trophy for best young player.
Coach Hansi Flick says the setback will inspire him to aim higher next season. Barca also face a major blow with Gavi ruled out for months after knee surgery.
