Barcelona’s Yamal Targets PSG After Ballon d’Or Disappointment

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, who narrowly missed out on becoming the youngest ever Ballon d’Or winner last week at 18, will have the perfect opportunity to assert his credentials in Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

PSG star Ousmane Dembélé, the recipient of this year’s Ballon d’Or, is sidelined through injury and will miss the match at the Parc des Princes, leaving runner-up Yamal as the focus of attention.

Last season, then 17-year-old Yamal inspired Barcelona’s run to the semi-finals, delivering standout performances against Inter Milan, although Hansi Flick’s side ultimately fell short. Barcelona missed the chance to face PSG in the final, as the French club defeated Inter to secure their first Champions League trophy.

Yamal has promised to bring the coveted cup back to Barcelona, who have not won it since 2015, during the era of Lionel Messi.

Despite Yamal’s immense and rapidly growing talent, Barcelona demonstrated resilience in his absence last season. In the 2024/25 campaign, the team struggled without him, often relying too heavily on his contributions. However, they have recently achieved a five-game winning streak, four of which occurred before his return.

Yamal had been sidelined due to a groin injury but made an immediate impact on his return against Real Sociedad on Sunday in La Liga. Coming on in the 58th minute, he charged into the box and provided a precise cross for Robert Lewandowski, who scored the match-winning goal just over a minute later.

“(Just) his presence on the pitch is a threat,” said Real Sociedad coach Sergio Francisco. “He’s showing every day he’s the best player in the world. It’s a treat to watch him.”

Yamal’s performance also lifted Barcelona during a challenging week. The club lost Joan Garcia and Raphinha to injury, joining recently sidelined Fermin Lopez and Gavi. Compounding the difficulties, Barcelona were denied permission to return to their renovated Camp Nou for the game.

“I’m happy to have him back, he showed it directly, his outstanding strength he has to create chances, to give the last pass. It’s good to have him back,” said Hansi Flick.

Despite being just 18, Yamal has made over 100 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 27 goals and winning two La Liga titles since his debut at 15 in 2023. He also won Euro 2024 with Spain shortly after turning 17.

Yamal has been compared to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, who won the Ballon d’Or at 22, with Brazil great Ronaldo still holding the record as the youngest winner at 21. Yamal inherited the iconic number 10 shirt at the start of this season, previously worn by Messi, Diego Maradona, and Ronaldinho.

Yamal’s miss this year does not preclude him from making history in the future. If he wins the Ballon d’Or in 2026 or 2027, he could still become the youngest-ever recipient, continuing a trajectory that has already seen him meet every challenge since his teenage debut.

“You have to climb to get to the top,” Yamal wrote on Instagram after missing out on the award. Facing PSG may represent the first rung on that ladder.

Yamal’s talent, combined with his growing leadership on the pitch, sets the stage for a defining Champions League season. PSG, without Dembélé, may be the ideal testing ground for Barcelona’s young star to shine on European football’s biggest stage.