One action by Lamine Yamal that kept him out of the Ballon d'Or race: What was it?

Facts revealed for the first time.

Getty Images

As the football world holds its breath for the Ballon d'Or ceremony this September 22nd, the spotlight intensifies on Barcelona's rising star, Lamine Yamal. However, his path to the prestigious award is shadowed by a single, emotionally charged moment that threatens to tip the scales.

The coveted prize weighs three pillars: individual brilliance, collective triumphs, and the often-intangible spirit of fair play. It is precisely within this final criterion that a potential vulnerability lies for the young prodigy. The scene was set after a heart-wrenching defeat in the Nations League final, where Spain fell to Portugal in a penalty shootout.

In an interview before Spain vs. France in June, Lamine Yamal said "If people want to play on Thursday, we'll play on Thursday," when asked who he'd vote for as the next Ballon d'Or winner, hinting at going toe-to-toe with one of the favourites Ousmane Dembélé.

Yamal got two… pic.twitter.com/ODQIsAvoYU

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 22, 2025

Amidst the raw emotions of the loss, cameras captured a poignant sequence: as veteran legend Cristiano Ronaldo extended a hand in sportsmanship, a visibly distraught Yamal turned away. Without a glance back, he made his solitary walk past the mounting celebration, retreating directly to the dressing room and forgoing the victors' medal ceremony.

🚨 BREAKING: In the last hour, several sources are saying Lamine Yamal has won the Ballon d'Or. pic.twitter.com/WOYEHl5wsO

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) September 22, 2025

This very human reaction, born from the sting of a major final loss, now stands as a pivotal narrative. In the eyes of some voters, it could weigh heavily, juxtaposing his undeniable talent with the strict ideals of conduct the award seeks to honor. The question remains whether his phenomenal skill will overshadow this lapse in the traditional rituals of sportsmanship.