Barcelona star reveals how he deals with negative comments, will never play for Real Madrid – ‘Impossible’ | OneFootball

Speaking in an interview with COPE, Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has revealed how he feeds off of criticism and negative comments and uses them as motivation to do better.

The 17-year-old sensation is at the top of the world after enjoying an excellent season that culminated with him leading Barça to the domestic treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup.

Currently with the Spanish national team, hoping to help them retain the UEFA Nations League, Lamine opened up on how he deals with negative comments and criticism from haters.

“My friends send me bad things said about me on TikTok 20 minutes before the games, they know that motivates me,” revealed Lamine.

Citing his wonder-goal against France in the UEFA Euro 2024 as an example, he added: “Against France, I was sleeping on the bus and my friend called me to tell me: ‘Remember what Rabiot said to you’, and I said: ‘Yes, I remember.'”

“I notice that the defenders have more respect for me,” he added.

When asked if he would ever consider playing for Barcelona’s arch-rivals, Real Madrid, Lamine shut down the idea, saying: “No, impossible”.

Ballon d’Or incoming? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The La Masia graduate finds himself in conversation for the Ballon d’Or this year after his brilliant season. But when asked if he thought he would win, Lamine insisted that he is focused on enjoying football and that the rewards will follow on their own.

“I’m not thinking about winning the Ballon d’Or. I think about enjoying myself, playing well and if it has to come, it will come,” he said.

One of Lamine’s competitors for the Ballon d’Or is PSG and France winger, Ousmane Dembele, who will come face-to-face with the youngster when Spain take on Les Bleus later this week.

About suggestions that the game could decide who wins the Ballon d’Or, Lamine said:

“I would vote for the best player of the year, but if it is going to be decided on Thursday, we’ll play it on Thursday. I would give it to the best player of the year. But I won’t tell you who it is, I keep it to myself.“

On Barcelona’s season as a whole, he added: “We are improving, but we have to believe ourselves that we are the best.

“When Real Madrid lost against Arsenal, people thought they could come back. And when we drew against Inter, people doubted. That’s what we have to change.”