M’Baye Niang responds to Ballon d’Or controversy: I will not beg to win it

Lamine Yamal, the star of Barcelona, spoke during the press conference held before the match against Feyenoord in the first round of the UEFA Champions League group stage, scheduled to be held at Spotify Camp Nou. He touched upon his ambitions with the team, as well as a number of issues related to his personal level and his teammates, foremost among them the competition for the Ballon d'Or. Regarding his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or, Yamal sent a clear message, emphasizing that he will not seek the award through campaigns or demands, saying: "I will not beg for the Ballon d'Or." The Barcelona star added: "It doesn't depend on me, but on you. The work I've done with Barcelona and the national team has been great. I have a chance to win it, and I've had a great season, but we'll see." He continued: "I don't think I need to run a campaign. I'm proud of what I've done, and I can't ask for more. This is your job, and I won't beg anyone for anything." Regarding Barcelona's ambitions in the Champions League, Yamal confirmed that the team aims to go far and compete for the title, saying: "It's the biggest goal, and there's no greater motivation than that. We are all motivated, and the title is on our minds." He revealed his personal and collective goals with the Catalan club, explaining: "On a collective level, titles and the Champions League. On an individual level, development. That's my goal." Yamal spoke about the importance of pressing after losing the ball, emphasizing that defensive commitment and teamwork are essential for winning titles, saying: "Those who win titles all press. You have to run, whoever you are. If you don't run, you lose." He also spoke about wearing the Barcelona captain's armband despite his young age, confirming that it is a great honor and a responsibility at the same time, saying: "It is a great honor to be captain of Barcelona at the age of 19. I am happy about it, and it makes me feel responsible. I will give everything I have for the team." Yamal praised his teammates, especially Raphinha, Eric Garcia, and Pedri, saying: "Rafa is a great leader, and Eric and Pedri too. I always learn from them to seek the best for the team." Regarding Fermín López and Dani Olmo, he explained: "They are both very great players. I feel comfortable with them and my relationship with them is excellent, even though they are different." The Barcelona star responded to the repeated talk about his psychological state, confirming that he is going through a very good period, saying: "I am very happy, and I don't know why this has been talked about so much. I had the best vacation of my life, and I have never been happier than I am now." Regarding his facial expressions that have raised some questions, he explained: "It depends on the day. The other day I was tired, it was hot, and the temperature was 40 degrees." Yamal confirmed that he does not feel worried about sitting on the bench, given the strong competition within the Barcelona squad, saying: "This does not scare me, as there are great players. I am ready to sit on the bench, and this does not scare me." He spoke about his development as a player, saying: "I think when you develop, you don't realize it. I'm like everyone else." He also revealed how he deals with fame and success, explaining: "I am in a dressing room with people who have achieved more than I have. Then I am with my family, who bring me back to reality." Yamal touched upon his relationship with Ousmane Dembélé, confirming that he does not concern himself with what is said about his friendship with Kylian Mbappé, saying: "He is a friend of Kylian, and I don't care about that. I am very happy with the season I've had, and my relationship with him is good, and everyone saw the season I had, if he didn't." Yamal concluded his speech by touching on Real Madrid, in a statement carrying a tone of confidence, saying: "If they have gone two years without winning, that's their problem. I see them happy."