Lamina Yamal's uncle, Abdul Abdelawi, has voiced his discontent over the recent Ballon d'Or results, claiming that the prestigious accolade should have been awarded to the young Barcelona talent rather than Harry Kane.
Kane made history as the first Englishman to secure the Ballon d'Or since 2001, edging out Kylian Mbappe, who finished second, and Yamal, who came in third.
Yamal, however, took home the award for Best Young Player for the third consecutive time, reflecting his strong year.
Upon learning of Kane's win, Yamal's reaction was one of noticeable disappointment.
After the ceremony, Abdelawi described the decision as unjust.
He said:
Honestly, I'm quite upset.
My nephew has had an incredible season. For me, he was the best player in the world, and everyone knows it.
He further elaborated on Yamal's impact on the game.
If you love football, you come to watch Lamina, not Harry Kane.
Kane is a great goal-scorer, but Lamina lights up the pitch like no one else.
Abdelawi believes that Yamal's age has worked against him in the voting process.
People constantly say, 'He's still young, only 19, and has everything ahead of him.'
I think that’s why he hasn’t received this award yet.
The uncle also highlighted Yamal’s impressive achievements over the past year.
He won the World Cup, La Liga, and the Super Cup.
He had an astonishing season, scoring goals that others simply can’t, assisting and creating chances.
Indeed, Yamal approached the ceremony on the back of a successful year. Previously, he clinched La Liga with Barcelona and celebrated World Cup victory with the Spanish national team.
Abdelawi remains optimistic, asserting that it's only a matter of time before his nephew claims his first Ballon d'Or.
Lamina will win this award multiple times.
Of course, it’s tough for him right now, but he’ll move on in a few days.
