Yamal ´has to win the Ballon d´Or´, insists Spain boss De la Fuente

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Lamine Yamal “has to win the Ballon d’Or” following his “statement” display against in the Nations League semi-final, according to Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente.

The 17-year-old played a starring role as La Roja booked their place in Sunday’s final against Portugal, scoring twice in a thrilling 5-4 victory over Les Bleus in Stuttgart.

Yamal is looking to add more silverware to his collection, having helped Barcelona to the LaLiga title last month, while scoring 18 goals and providing 21 assists (including a league-high 13 in LaLiga) across all competitions in 2024-25.

The winger is also being strongly tipped for significant individual accolades, including this year’s Ballon d’Or, and De la Fuente believes he did his chances no harm on Thursday.

“Lamine has made a statement and has to win the Ballon d’Or,” the Spain coach told RTVE.

“On the field, there were two of the best teams in the world. The game went in our favour.

“It’s not easy to score five goals against an opponent. We took our chances very well. It shows the high level of the players.”

Nico Williams urged Yamal to continue to “work with humility”, as he also tipped his fellow winger for the Ballon d’Or.

However, the teenager is just focused on continually producing the goods on the field, rather than winning awards.

“I always tell my mother, the best thing is to talk on the pitch,” he said.

“ are a great team who make you suffer, which is normal. But we’re very happy with the victory.”

Spain had led 5-1, but were holding on towards the end after reduced their deficit to a single goal.

Nevertheless, the reigning Nations League champions will do battle with 2019 winners Portugal for the right to become the first multiple victors of the tournament.

“We didn’t expect that [finish] when we were 5-1 up,” Mikel Merino, who scored Spain’s second goal, added.

“But in the elite, you can’t take anything for granted. We’re proud of this group. It’s another final, and we’ll fight for another title.”