Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has reportedly chartered a private jet to fly to London with his family and close friends for Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The 19-year-old is expected to be one of the main draws at the ceremony, where he will contend for football’s most prestigious individual award after placing second in the previous edition.
According to Spanish journalist Víctor Navarro, Yamal has arranged private travel so his closest supporters can join him at the event, choosing not to travel with Barcelona’s official delegation.
This decision will let the Spain international share the occasion with the family members and friends who have backed his rise to prominence in world football.
Thanks to his impressive performances for Barcelona and Spain, Yamal has established himself as one of the game’s leading young players, gaining recognition among the contenders for major individual honors.
Monday’s ceremony offers the winger another chance to add to his growing list of achievements, having already claimed the Kopa Trophy as the best young player at the previous Ballon d’Or event.
At the previous ceremony in Paris, Yamal finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting, while Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé took home the award.
Reports suggest Yamal had arranged a celebration with family and friends before that ceremony in anticipation of winning the prize, but he ultimately missed out on the top honor.
Despite that disappointment, the Barcelona star’s performances have kept him among the leading contenders for football’s biggest individual awards.
