Lamine Yamal: “They Ask Us to Be Sincere, But When We Are, They Criticize Us”

Lamine Yamal has addressed the attention surrounding comments made by both himself and Kylian Mbappé during the build-up to the Ballon d’Or, arguing that footballers can face criticism regardless of how openly they speak.

The Barcelona star explained that the public reaction can become a talking point even when there is no real issue between players.

“If Kylian Mbappé and I didn't talk, people would wonder why we don't talk…”

Yamal was speaking to Teledeporte about the scrutiny surrounding the two players and their respective comments in various interviews during the Ballon d’Or discussion.

The teenager also pointed to what he sees as a contradiction in the way footballers are treated by the media and public.

“They ask us to be sincere, but when we are, they criticize us.”

Both Yamal and Mbappé have been prominent figures in the Ballon d’Or conversation, with their comments and interviews receiving significant attention as the debate over the award intensified.

Yamal’s latest remarks underline the difficulty players face when discussing their opinions publicly, particularly when their words are viewed through the lens of an individual awards race.