Barcelona’s delegation will cross from Catalonia to London on Monday with Lamine Yamal at its centre, as the teenager prepares for a Ballon d’Or evening he believes may end differently from his visit to Paris a year ago.
Yamal has arranged a private jet for a mid-morning departure to the English capital, travelling with his parents, Sheila Ebana and Mounir Nasraoui, his partner Inés García, relatives, close friends and members of his representation team. The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for 21:00 at the London Palladium in the West End.
From Paris disappointment to a London gathering
- Last year, Yamal had made plans to celebrate in Paris should he win the Ballon d’Or.
- Ousmane Dembélé was ultimately awarded the prize, leaving the Barcelona No. 10 to return home on the night of the ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet.
- For the 70th edition of the France Football award, now staged in partnership with UEFA for a third year, Yamal feels he has a stronger prospect of being named the world’s best player.
- He has therefore planned to share any success in London with a large group from his family and inner circle.
A broad Barcelona presence in the capital
Barcelona president Joan Laporta will lead a sizeable club party, reflecting the number of nominees from both the men’s and women’s sides.
Yamal is among the Ballon d’Or candidates alongside Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí and Rodri Hernández, the most valuable player at the last World Cup. The club’s European champions are also represented by Cata Coll, Esmee Brugts, Patri Guijarro, Caroline Graham Hansen, Claudia Pina and Ewa Pajor.
Alexia Putellas, now playing for London City Lionesses, is considered the leading contender for the main women’s award.
Youth, goalkeeping and coaching awards
Yamal is also strongly placed to take the Best Young Talent prize for a third time, with Cubarsí among his challengers. In the women’s equivalent, Vicky López is viewed as the frontrunner ahead of Clara Serrajordi.
- Joan García and Cata Coll have both been shortlisted in the best goalkeeper category.
- Pere Romeu is the leading candidate for the women’s coach award.
- Barcelona are expected to receive the prize for the best women’s club.
