Lamine Yamal's uncle has criticised Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or win, saying football fans prefer to watch the Barcelona star and suggesting the striker's age played a role in his success.
Kane won the award in London on Monday night after an individual campaign that saw him impress in Germany once again. Before the ceremony, opinion was split over whether he, Yamal or Kylian Mbappe would take the Golden Ball.
Kane became England's first winner in a quarter of a century, but Yamal's uncle Abdul Abdellaoui was left frustrated that the Spanish star missed out on the award for the second straight year.
Uncle's Reaction to Kane's Victory
The teenager did win the Kopa Trophy for a third consecutive time, but his La Liga success with Barcelona and World Cup triumph were not enough to edge out Kane, leaving those close to him particularly frustrated.
Speaking in an interview with El Larguero, Abdellaoui said: "Well, the truth is it’s really sad, I feel really bad. My nephew was amazing, he was the best player in the world, everyone knows it. If you like football, you go to see Lamine, not Harry Kane. Harry Kane is a great goalscorer but Lamine is the best player who shines on the pitch and if he’s unlucky, there’s next year."
Age Bias Claim
Yamal has continued to develop in Catalunya and, despite not turning 20 until next July, he is one of the leading lights for the Spanish outfit. His World Cup success came after he won the Euros two years ago, but his 24 goals last term were not enough to beat Kane.
His uncle claims there was a bias towards Kane given the striker is now 33, and clearly closer to the end of his career than the start. Pushed on why he thought Yamal did not win the award, Abdul replied: "Since Lamine is young, they always say he has time, he’s 19, and that’s why they’re not giving him the award. Harry, with only three days of football left, they’re saying, ‘come on, we’ll give him the award’."
He added: "He’s won the World Cup, La Liga, the Super Cup, he plays really well, he’s had an incredible season, he scores goals that nobody else can. Passes, assists, whatever you want. Lamine will win more than one, but the sadness will pass in three days. In a few days he will be fine."
