Xavi reveals why Yamal didn’t win the Ballon d’Or… and points to PSG’s big advantage!

Former FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has once again made headlines after revealing his thoughts on the Ballon d’Or and, more specifically, on Lamine Yamal. According to Xavi, the young Barcelona prodigy had everything it takes to win the prestigious award, but team trophies ultimately made the difference. “In my opinion, of course he deserved it. Just like Vitinha, Salah, Pedri, and Raphinha… many players did. But in the end, the trophies Dembélé won carried more weight,” Xavi explained candidly.

Xavi, who was one of the first to give Yamal his big break in the Barcelona first team, believes the youngster is destined for greatness. However, he emphasized that individual awards in football are often tied to collective success. “Lamine will win it, I’m sure of that, but only when his team wins the Champions League or the World Cup,” he stated confidently.

The former Barça boss’s comments subtly criticize the Ballon d’Or voting system, where team achievements often overshadow individual brilliance. “Sometimes people forget that football is a collective sport. You can be the best player in the world, but if your team doesn’t win, you get left behind. That’s exactly what happened with Yamal,” Xavi added.

Xavi also recalled the moment he and his coaching staff first saw Yamal train with the senior squad and instantly recognized his potential. “Yes, absolutely. We talked about it within the coaching team. We said he had Ballon d’Or potential. Watching him train, we immediately noticed certain things — it was clear he was one of the chosen ones,” Xavi revealed proudly.

However, he was quick to acknowledge the merit of Ousmane Dembélé, who currently plays for PSG and ended up winning the Ballon d’Or this year. “Dembélé is an extraordinary player, and this year he proved it by winning major titles. He was key for PSG in the Champions League and decisive in big matches. Naturally, that influenced the voters,” he admitted.

For Xavi, PSG’s success in Europe gave their players the ultimate advantage. “The difference was that PSG’s stars won everything. When you achieve that level of dominance, the Ballon d’Or comes almost automatically. Lamine will have to wait for his moment — but it will come, I have no doubt,” he added.

The former Barcelona captain also drew comparisons between Yamal and players like Pedri and De Jong, praising their unique qualities. “Vitinha, Pedri, and De Jong control games, but Yamal and Dembélé are decisive. There’s a big difference between dominating a match and deciding it. And the biggest awards usually go to those who make the difference,” Xavi explained.

Spain’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente also weighed in on the debate, expressing his preference for a Spanish winner. “Dembélé is a great player, but I would have preferred a Spaniard to win. Yamal deserved it, without a doubt,” he said recently.

Despite the disappointment, there is a strong sense of optimism in Barcelona. Fans see Yamal not just as a promising youngster, but as a generational talent already proving himself at the highest level. At just 17 years old, he continues to amaze the world with his skill, pace, and maturity beyond his years. Xavi summed it up perfectly: “Lamine doesn’t need the Ballon d’Or to prove his greatness. That recognition will come naturally when Barcelona conquers Europe again.”

In the end, Xavi’s words capture the spirit of everyone connected to the club — pride in Yamal’s journey and belief in his future. The teenager embodies the essence of Barcelona’s philosophy: talent, courage, and humility. And while he may have missed out on the Ballon d’Or this time, few doubt that one day, the golden trophy will be his.