After a successful 2025-26 LaLiga season and a 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, Spain's Lamine Yamal was a heavy favorite to win this year's Ballon d'Or. However, an even better performance from England captain Harry Kane in the Bundesliga, German domestic tournaments, and the World Cup made sure he took the trophy home.

Now, FC Barcelona's Yamal has finally broken his silence after missing out on the 2026 Ballon d’Or award to Kane. While 33-year-old Kane celebrated, the likes of Yamal and Kylian Mbappé were left disappointed despite their strong chances. However, Yamal won the Kopa Trophy, which is handed out to the best young talent of the year.

Later on Instagram, the youngster addressed the loss and uploaded a series of pictures. “IT WILL COME, good things take time, I trust the path I'm building. Without a hurry, with excitement and with tranquility that someday my time will come. Congratulations to the winners, my focus is again on what's important, to make FC Barcelona win again,” Yamal wrote. (quotes translated by Instagram)

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However, while Yamal celebrated a successful night in London, UK, his father faced a rather unfortunate incident while flying out of Spain.

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Lamine Yamal's father goes viral for violent airport incident

According to Spanish news outlet El Espanyol, Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, was involved in a violent incident at Barcelona Airport in Barcelona ahead of flying out to London for his son's Ballon d’Or award ceremony. It was reported that Nasraoui placed his jacket in a place where it was not permitted.

This led to the airport staff asking him to remove it. However, the discussion soon escalated, and the video posted by El Espanyol claimed that Nasraoui spat in the direction of the waitress. It was also reported that after a bystander tried to intervene, Yamal's father allegedly grabbed a chair and threw it towards the man. In the end, the local police got involved and resolved the matter.