Abdul Abdellaoui, the uncle of FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, has expressed his disappointment after Harry Kane won the Ballon d’Or on Monday night.
Yamal was among the favourites for the prestigious award but ultimately missed out, with both Kane and Kylian Mbappé finishing ahead of the Barcelona star.
Speaking to El Larguero after the winner was announced, Abdellaoui struggled to come to terms with his nephew missing out on the honour.
"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," he said, adding:
“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.”
Abdellaoui felt that Yamal's young age played a significant part in the decision.
“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 said.
"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.”