Barcelona star Lamine Yamal responds to Ballon d’Or talk after Croatia demolition: ‘I don’t vote’

Lamine Yamal delivered another reminder of his growing influence for Spain, producing two goals and an assist as La Roja swept aside Croatia 4-1.

The Barcelona winger needed barely 90 seconds to make his mark, setting the tone for a dominant Spanish performance and putting Croatia under pressure from the opening whistle.

Speaking after the match (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Yamal explained why the early goal mattered.

“You have to hit the ground running from the start, and things are going our way,” the Barcelona player said.

Lamine Yamal makes the difference against Croatia

Yamal’s performance was made even more notable by the identity of the goalkeeper he managed to beat.

His main victim was his Barcelona teammate Dominik Livakovic, giving the winger an extra level of familiarity with the Croatia goalkeeper’s qualities.

Yamal admitted that knowing Livakovic from their time together at Barcelona had helped him understand what he could expect.

Lamine Yamal scored twice against Croatia. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“I already know him from training. I’ve seen what he’s capable of and, luckily, it went in,” he explained.

The result gave Spain another commanding victory, with Yamal once again at the centre of their attacking play.

His ability to create chances, score himself and consistently threaten defenders has made him one of the most important players in Luis de la Fuente’s side.

Yamal plays down Ballon d’Or speculation

The attention around Yamal has inevitably brought the Ballon d’Or into the conversation, but the teenager insisted that the individual award is not driving his performances.

“I’m not just playing for the Ballon d’Or. I’m playing for myself, for the fans, to keep on winning.

“Closer to winning it? I don’t know, I don’t vote.”

Yamal also addressed the sharp change in the way his performances have been discussed.

Lamine Yamal just cannot stop scoring. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

After facing criticism earlier in the season, the Barcelona winger suggested that football’s reaction to players can change very quickly.

“A month ago, you were telling me I was bad, and that you didn’t know what was happening to me. So I’m calm, and I keep enjoying it.

“And I know that at any moment you’ll start saying the same thing again, so I’m calm.”

Spain’s World Cup celebrations add to Yamal’s big night

The victory was particularly meaningful for Yamal because Spain were able to celebrate in front of their home supporters.

The Barcelona star made it clear that the team remains determined to bring the World Cup trophy back to Spain after years of waiting.

“We’re really excited to be able to bring the World Cup trophy here. We’ve been chasing a World Cup for years and they really deserved it, so we’re very happy,” he concluded.