Cubarsi crowns Yamal world's best player ahead of Ballon d'Or, but stakes his own claim

Pau Cubarsi left no doubt about his favorite for the Ballon d’Or: his FC Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal. On the eve of Barcelona’s Champions League trip to Galatasaray, the Catalan defender delivered an unreserved endorsement of the Spanish winger.

“I think everyone sees it, he’s the best player in the world,” Cubarsi said. “And even if he says it himself, the others see it too on the pitch, through what he demonstrates and the abilities he has. He knows it and everyone knows it: he is the best player in the world and he deserves the Ballon d’Or, of course.”

The 19-year-old did not, however, completely erase his own name from the list of contenders. World champion and crowned best young player of the tournament, Cubarsi acknowledged having solid arguments, even if he is less in the media spotlight than Yamal. “I too could be in the running with the World Cup I won and the season I’ve had, but I’m a bit more low-key, while he’s more in the media,” he added.

Less than two weeks before the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Cubarsi’s remarks illustrate the dominant position Yamal occupies in the debate. The Barcelona prospect, author of an exceptional season at club and international level, stands out as the clear favorite in the eyes of his own teammates.