Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has praised Lamine Yamal’s mentality after the teenager missed out on the 2026 Ballon d’Or award, which was won by Harry Kane.

Despite winning La Liga with Barcelona and lifting the World Cup with Spain, Yamal finished third in Monday’s voting, behind Kane and Kylian Mbappe.

However, Flick insists the 19-year-old has handled the disappointment positively and remains focused on helping Barcelona achieve their objectives this season.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Alaves, the German coach acknowledged Kane’s achievement while backing Yamal’s ability to win the prestigious individual award in the future.

Flick Backs Yamal To Win Ballon d’Or

“Harry Kane deserved it, but you already know what I think about Lamine. He’s at the level required to win this award,” Flick said.

“I’m very proud of Lamine. He reacted very well and was very focused in training.

“That’s the way to respond. His mentality is very good for the team.”

Yamal could help Barcelona return to winning ways against Alaves after consecutive defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, reports France 24.

Flick insists his players remain confident despite those setbacks and understands the importance of securing three points against Alaves.

“The most important thing tomorrow is to win,” he explained.