Lamine Yamal has offered his perspective on what should determine the winner of the Ballon d’Or, arguing that too much importance is often placed on team trophies and individual statistics when assessing the world’s best player.

The Barcelona star believes the prestigious award should not simply go to a player because his club won the Champions League or because he scored the most goals during a season. Instead, Yamal argues that the Ballon d’Or should recognize the footballer who stands out most through his overall ability, influence and the unique qualities he brings to the game.

“People are valuing things that don’t help you win the Ballon d’Or,” Yamal said. “They say a PSG player has to win it because they won the Champions League.”

His comments come amid the familiar debate surrounding the criteria used to select the Ballon d’Or winner. Every year, discussions emerge over whether individual performances or team achievements should carry more weight.

For Yamal, the answer appears clear: winning the Champions League is an important achievement, but it should not automatically determine who receives the individual award.

“When you win the Champions League, you get the Champions League trophy. The Ballon d’Or is different, it should go to the BEST PLAYER in the world,” he added.

Yamal Separates Team Success From Individual Recognition

One of the central points in Yamal’s argument is the distinction between a team award and an individual award.

Football is fundamentally a team sport, meaning a Champions League triumph depends on the collective performance of an entire squad. A player can be outstanding during a successful campaign, but the trophy itself belongs to the club and its players collectively.

The Ballon d’Or, meanwhile, is designed to recognize an individual footballer.

That distinction is important because a player’s ability can sometimes be judged differently from his team’s overall success. A world-class player may perform brilliantly despite playing for a team that does not win the biggest trophies, while another player may collect major silverware as part of an exceptionally strong squad.

Yamal’s comments suggest that the Ballon d’Or should focus primarily on the individual rather than allowing a club’s trophy cabinet to determine the outcome.

Goals Should Not Be the Only Measurement

Yamal also challenged the idea that goals alone should decide the award.

“Not to a player who scores 80 goals, for that they will give you the topscorer award,” he said.

His point highlights another long-running debate in football. Goals are arguably the most visible individual statistic in the sport, particularly for forwards, but they do not capture every aspect of a player’s contribution.

A footballer’s influence can also be seen through assists, chance creation, dribbling, passing, movement, pressing, decision-making and the ability to change the course of a match.

Different positions also make direct statistical comparisons difficult. A midfielder, winger, defender and goalkeeper can have completely different responsibilities while still having a major impact on their team’s performances.

For Yamal, therefore, reducing the Ballon d’Or debate to a goals tally would fail to capture what makes certain players exceptional.

“The Player That You Are Enjoying”

Perhaps the most interesting part of Yamal’s comments is his description of what makes someone the best player in the world.

“The best player in the world is the player that YOU are enjoying, the one that is different from everyone.”

That statement places considerable emphasis on individuality and entertainment.

Football is not only about statistics. Some players have an ability to produce moments that supporters remember long after a match has ended. A spectacular dribble, an extraordinary pass, an unexpected piece of skill or the ability to consistently create something from nothing can shape how a player is perceived.

Yamal himself has built much of his reputation around those qualities. His direct style, close control, creativity and willingness to take on defenders have made him one of the most exciting young players in world football.

His argument therefore reflects a broader philosophy of the sport: sometimes the player who makes football look different is the player who leaves the biggest impression.

The Ballon d’Or Debate Will Continue

Yamal’s comments are unlikely to end the debate over how the Ballon d’Or should be decided. Team trophies, individual statistics and performances will inevitably remain important parts of the discussion.

The challenge is determining how much weight should be given to each factor.

Should a Champions League winner automatically have an advantage? Should a player with extraordinary individual statistics receive greater consideration? Or should the focus primarily be on overall footballing ability and the influence a player has on matches?

There is no single statistic capable of answering those questions.

What Yamal has done is reinforce the argument that the Ballon d’Or should not simply become a competition between trophy winners or goalscorers. In his view, the award should celebrate the footballer who stands apart from the rest through his overall quality and ability to make the game special.

Ultimately, his comments add another voice to one of football’s most enduring debates: what does it actually mean to be the best player in the world?

For Yamal, it is not simply about the number of trophies on a player’s résumé or the number of goals beside his name. It is about being the footballer who makes people watch, enjoy and appreciate the game—and who possesses something that sets him apart from everyone else.