Laporta: Real Madrid loses credibility for this reason, and Yamal deserves the Ballon d'Or

Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, has sharply criticized Real Madrid over its stance on the Negreira case and its absence from institutional meetings in football and basketball. He also announced his support for Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d'Or, confirming that Raphinha could be available to participate against Paris.

In his statements, Laporta praised the current period that FC Barcelona is experiencing, highlighting the global status the club enjoys and the accolades it receives due to the team's performance and players.

Barcelona's president stated: "We enjoy football and the club, and we have global recognition. We have nine players in the team who have won the World Cup, a team that captivates hearts, and players who serve as role models. We receive praise from everywhere, while they in Madrid try to downplay all of that."

Laporta said: "I will not stop saying that Real Madrid tried to condemn us before our trial. It is becoming clear that there was nothing to the accusations against us, and this case will end with Barcelona being acquitted. Those who have constantly tried to harm the club's image will have to correct their positions."

He added: "The investigation is being prolonged as much as possible to keep this case alive, but it will not lead to any result; the goal is to tarnish the reputation of FC Barcelona, and I don't think they are doing this in good faith."

Regarding Real Madrid's absence from the meetings of the European Club Association and the UEFA Europa League, Barcelona's president said: "This reveals a lot about the position of a club that is losing its status, respect, and credibility on national and international levels, and this is clear. They are adopting an approach characterized by arrogance and hubris, and they know what they are doing; they should reflect on themselves."

Joan Laporta has expressed his support for Al-Amin Yamal after the voting for the Ballon d'Or closed, affirming the FC Barcelona star's right to win it.

He said: "It is fair for him to win it, he has had a fantastic season and has won very important titles, such as the league and the World Cup, he deserves to win the Ballon d'Or, he feels he deserves it, and I think it’s good for him to express his opinion, he is a very straightforward and direct person, and he is still young, which should always be taken into account, I would be very happy if he won it, we will see what happens, as there is absolute secrecy surrounding the result, and we are looking forward to it."

He added: "Lamine feels a great excitement to express the football he plays, and his abilities and qualities as a player are recognized. He has the enthusiasm of youth, and I understand that he sometimes expresses himself."

"There is a kind of competition, which was not happening to the same extent with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. For me, Messi should always have won, but they did not announce their candidacy in this way. It should not be exaggerated; it is a natural reaction from a 19-year-old who will make history."

In closing his statements, Laporta talked about Raphinha's injury while he was with the Brazilian national team, noting that the player has recovered after returning to FC Barcelona, and the medical staff expects him to be ready for the match against Paris.

He said: "He was injured, then returned and recovered here, the doctors say he will be available to participate in the match against Paris."

He added: "These are circumstances we have to accept; it’s a big loss for the club, and the international break is like a preparation period for the season. We won’t be able to change that this year, and we have to fight with the resources available to us. We knew that and were prepared for it."