‘It was good for me that Dembele won’ – Lamine Yamal admits he expected to win Ballon d’Or

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal has admitted on his YouTube channel that he expected to win the Ballon d'Or, but acknowledged it was beneficial for him that Ousmane Dembele won the award instead. The Spanish winger spoke openly about key moments in his career, his rapid development as one of football's brightest talents, and the players who inspire him. His comments came as the football world shifts focus toward the upcoming 2026 World Cup.