Lamine Yamal's bold vision: Barcelona's rising star eyes glory

Currently focused with Spain for the UEFA Nations League, the 17-year-old also reflected on his personal journey.

"I don't think about winning the Ballon d'Or. I focus on enjoying myself, playing well, and if it's meant to come, it will come," Lamine Yamal told El Partidazo de Cope when asked about the prestigious award.

On Thursday, Spain face France, pitting him against another contender, Ousmane Dembele. "I'd vote for the best player of the year, but if you want to settle it on Thursday, we'll settle it then. I'd give it to the best, and I'll keep that to myself," he added with a grin.

When quizzed about a potential future move to Real Madrid, Lamine Yamal was firm. "No, it's impossible," he declared.

On his recent contract renewal with Barcelona, he said, "For me, the priority is what I do on the pitch, not off it. I wanted to sort it quickly. I had no doubts about what I wanted, we could do it when both sides agreed, and now I just focus on football."

On handling fame, he noted, "Now I don't go looking for my brother. It's different. Last season, the big players were Robert Lewandowski, Ilkay Gundogan, Raphinha and now people talk more about me. I live calmer, do fewer things, but still enjoy myself."

Yamal also shared insights on facing rival defences. "When we play at Montjuic, I get the first ball, and before it reaches me, the crowd starts shouting. Then I see defenders back off. They don't challenge me as much now, which is normal, they respect me more. When I was young, I respected them, and now they respect me. People say to block me inside, but if they do, I'll go outside. I don't talk much to defenders during games. Against Espanyol, at half-time, they said, 'Lamine, relax, a draw suits you.' It's just banter in the match."

On his earnings, he confirmed, "Yes, I know the money I have, with my mum and dad. I'm responsible."

Comparing Barcelona to Real Madrid, Lamine Yamal observed, "We're improving, but we have to believe we're the best. When Real Madrid lost to Arsenal, people thought they could turn it around. But when we drew with Inter, the feeling was, 'Oof, what's next?' That's what we need to change. We have the rest, we're a great group."Barcelona have conceded plenty of goals this season, but he remained optimistic. "They're details we'll improve. It's the first year we've played with this backline. It went well at first, but we've faced big teams. Small tweaks, and we'll be fine," he said.

Dreaming of a Champions League final against PSG, Lamine Yamal mused, "In a final, anything can happen, emotions, details. I don't think it'd be 5-0 again if we met. PSG deserved it; they've had an incredible year. After they knocked us out, I was already thinking about the Clasico. We play for the Champions League every year. Next year, we'll be there and fight. If not, the year after."

On coach Hansi Flick, Lamine Yamal said, "He might be strict, but it's what we need. We're young players, and if no one's on top of us, some might slack. With Flick, I've always been on time."

He also opened up about his bond with Robert Lewandowski. "It's great now, we hang out off the pitch. It's changed. At first, I was just a youth player, and we weren't as close."

On El Clasico, he noted, "Beating Real Madrid four times isn't a title."

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