Barcelona's Lamine Yamal says finishing second to Dembélé in the 2025 Ballon d'Or helped him mature, calling the loss a catalyst for personal growth at 18.

Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal has admitted that he believed he would win the 2025 Ballon d'Or before eventually finishing behind Dembélé.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal says finishing second to Dembélé in the 2025 Ballon d'Or helped him mature, calling the loss a catalyst for personal growth at 18.