Former Barcelona defender Abelardo Fernández directed sharp criticism at young star Lamine Yamal, following the latter's statements asserting his right to be crowned winner of the Ballon d'Or as the best player in the world for 2026.
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Abelardo, 56, expressed his displeasure with Lamine Yamal's tone, citing Barcelona and world football legend Lionel Messi, whose modesty he considered a defining feature of his football career.
Abelardo said, in radio remarks highlighted by the Spanish newspaper "Marca": "I didn't like what Lamine Yamal said. He can think it, but he shouldn't say it, because it will make him look bad."
He added: "You haven't done anything positive by making that statement. You can say: I might be among the leading contenders, because in the end you don't know who the award will go to."
Abelardo continued, criticizing the young star's statements: "I didn't like what Lamine Yamal said at all, just as I didn't like Kylian Mbappé's interview either," referring to recent comments by the Real Madrid star, which carried a similar message regarding his own claim to the award.
The former Barcelona defender concluded by saying: "I have never once heard Messi, who is a legend of football, say that."
What did Lamine Yamal say?
Lamine Yamal had affirmed, in recent hours, his belief that he deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, based on what he has achieved with Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
The player said via the "Movistar Plus+" platform: "The debate over who's the best player has gone on far too long, but I believe I deserve the award this year."
He added: "For me, the two best players in the world right now are two: me and Mbappé. It's clear to me and to anyone who watches the matches and knows it."
Lamine's comments came after an exceptional season with Barcelona and the Spanish national team, having won the Spanish League and Spanish Super Cup titles with the Catalan club in the 2025-2026 season, before winning the 2026 World Cup title with his country's national team over the summer.
The young winger contributed to 42 goals in 45 matches with Barcelona that season, with 24 goals and 18 assists, and also scored one goal in 8 matches with Spain at the World Cup.
Abelardo: A Storied Career with Barcelona
Abelardo wore the Barcelona jersey between 1994 and 2002, playing 257 matches across all competitions during that period, scoring 17 goals and providing 8 assists, according to data from the "Transfermarkt" website.
The Spanish defender won 8 titles with the Catalan club, including two Spanish League titles, two Copa del Rey titles, and two Spanish Super Cup titles, in addition to the European Cup Winners' Cup and the European Super Cup.
On the international stage, Abelardo represented the Spanish national team in 54 matches, scoring 3 goals and providing one assist, and also won the gold medal in football at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics.
Resource: Al-Ghad.
