Yamal on the Ballon d'Or: I think some people think this way

Barcelona's young star Lamine Yamal has spoken candidly about the Ballon d'Or race, asserting that he has felt deserving of the award for some time, not just this year.

Yamal said in his remarks: "Honestly, I wasn't at the level of a player deserving to win the Ballon d'Or this year alone, but the matter extends for a longer period than that."

He added: "Everyone knows that. Everyone knows that I am a player who makes a difference."

The Spanish star continued: "I think some people think this way: Lamine is 19 years old, and he will win it at some point, so let's give it to someone else."

Yamal added: "All I have to do is win, then win, then win, and the time will come when there will be no more controversy."

He concluded his statements by saying: "There will be people who love me, and people who will say: what an annoying person. And that is natural."